Strong wind destroys over 500 houses in Myanmar's Yangon region

YANGON -- Strong wind, coupled with torrential rain, has destroyed over 500 houses in Shwe Pyi Tha township, Myanmar's Yangon region, the official Global New Light of Myanmar reported Wednesday.

The severe wind, which blew for just several minutes on Tuesday before dawn, knocked down trees and destroyed many houses, cutting power supply in the township.

However, no casualties were reported.

Yangon Region Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein rushed to the scene and led in clearing debris and restoring electricity.

Temporary shelters are being set up to accommodate the homeless victims with aid provided.

On the same day, heavy rain and strong wind also blew off tree branches in Hmawbi, Dagon Myothit-north and other townships.

Meanwhile, Myanmar's Meteorology and Hydrology Department issued a red-code emergency alert warning Tuesday afternoon that a deep tropical weather depression was occurring over middle-east part of the Bay of Bengal and a cyclone storm was set to make landfall in coastal area of Rakhine state near Ann within the next 12 hours.

Rescue teams are making preparations in 17 townships in Rakhine state including Maungtaw and Buthidaung following the storm warning.

The local authorities have suspended the waterway of Angumaw-Sittway for three days.