Narinjara News

Death toll rises to 78 in Arakan due to cyclone

Sittwe, May 28: Death toll rose up to 78 due to cyclone of 19th May that hit Myebon Township of Arakan state, reports our correspondent.

Yesterday dead bodies of two women were recovered from the sea. The local people are still searching for other dead bodies, says the source.

Almost all the houses of Kanthoukri village tract under Myebon Township have been destroyed and swept away by strong wind and waves, as the area was fallen within center of cyclone, adds the report.

Among the dead 24 were women, remaining were children and men. The extent of loss still could not be confirmed, as the concerning authorities are undergoing rescue operations.

Report says, the Minister for Relief and Rehabilitation Lieutenant Colonel Sein Thwa yesterday visited the cyclone-affected area and distributed Kyat 11 lakhs and rice among 1077 distressed people, adds our correspondent.

According to local sources, about three hundred houses of Ngamanray Kyuant (Shark Rendezvous Island) under same township have been missing after this cyclone, but the government authorities are yet to come with official statement regarding this disaster.

In 1968 too, said island was gone under water due to cyclonic tidal surge and thousands of islanders were killed, says the source.

The reason behind loss of lives in hundreds and thousands by natural disasters is due to lack of any preventive program with the military government, like building Cyclone Shelter Center, embankment etc, it was learnt. #

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