TAUNGGYI: Buildings constructed in Taunggyi will not be approved unless they meet earthquake-resistant design standards, according to Shan State Municipal Affairs Minister U Khun Htun Phyu.
He said municipal authorities have been inspecting building designs since the earthquake and require new structures within the municipal boundaries to be designed to withstand an earthquake measuring up to magnitude 8 on the Richter scale.
“The municipal department conducts inspections when buildings are planned. The design must be capable of withstanding a magnitude-8 earthquake; otherwise, approval will not be granted,” U Khun Htun Phyu said.
The requirement applies to all types of structures, including high-rise buildings, one- and two-storey buildings, offices and schools, as well as other structures constructed within the municipal area.
“This is not limited to particular buildings. Any structure built within the municipal boundaries must have an earthquake-resistant design. Otherwise, it will not be approved. This is an official requirement,” he said.
Regarding the frequent landslides in mountainous areas, he said: “I am an engineer. The normal rock is not a problem. During the earthquake, the shock action occurs. The parts that are connected may be lost. The connection with the ground may be lost. There may be a little bit of movement.
“In the meantime, when it rains, a layer is formed between the rock and the ground. It doesn’t occur in summer. When it rains, a layer is formed between the rock and the ground. If that layer is no longer connected, the rock cannot support its weight and falls.”
It was also reported that the large rock that fell from the mountain was cut and cleared in time.
“A group from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in Nay Pyi Taw will measure and inspect in detail. Then they will submit a report. They will report the findings and tell you how to proceed. Is there a danger or not, how far it is, how to remove it, this will be included in the report.
“After that, there will be a section on how to protect the public from danger. This will be continued by the government. Only after their report is submitted will the government cooperate with us,” said U Khun Htun Phyu, Shan State Municipal Affairs Minister.
It was also reported that the initial inspection will only be carried out on the southern side of the Shwe Muhtaw mountain range, where the current incident is taking place. - ElevenNews/ANN
