YANGON: A powerful earthquake that struck near Yekha village, Sagaing Township, has caused significant damage in the nearby Kyauktar village, where 175 houses collapsed. Many residents are now in urgent need of assistance, including access to drinking water.
While Yekha village, which lies closest to the epicentre, saw relatively minor damage, with only a three-story monastery and three houses affected, Kyauktar village, located nearby, experienced more severe destruction. According to Phyusin Myitta social assistance association, 101 houses in Kyauktar village were completely destroyed, and 74 others were damaged by approximately 75 per cent.
A local resident from Kyauktara stated, “Kyauktar and Yekha are closely connected, and this earthquake has caused widespread damage. People have been donating rice and oil to help. Kyauktar has always faced challenges accessing drinking water, and the earthquake has made it even harder. While donated clean water has alleviated some immediate needs, accessing water for both consumption and livestock is still very difficult.”
The earthquake caused a decrease in water depth of Yekha Lake, dropping from 22 feet to 20 feet. An official reported, “After the earthquake, the lake’s water depth dropped by about one and a half feet. Subsequent aftershocks caused another half-foot decrease, leaving the lake now only 20 feet deep. Boats that were once afloat are now stranded on the land.”
Thankfully, there were no fatalities in Kyauktar village, but one person was injured when a two-story building collapsed, breaking both their legs. Despite the devastation, the community remains hopeful, relying on donations and support from others to rebuild and recover. - Eleven Media/ANN
