Roads, bridges damaged by floods disrupt travel in Ramree

By Admin 15 Jul 2026

DMG Newsroom

15 July 2026, Ramree

Although floodwaters have receded following severe flooding in Ramree Township, Arakan State, damaged roads and bridges continue to disrupt travel, according to local residents.

Floodwaters began to recede on 13 July, but the Sangawtaung Bridge, located between Htanpyein and Shaukchaung villages on the Ramree-Laytaung road, collapsed after being swept away by the floods.

"When record-breaking floods hit Ramree, a major bridge in the Kyaukchaung area was destroyed. Bamboo bridges in some villages were also swept away. Roads in the Kyaukchaung area were damaged, and roads near U Ka Taung were cut off. We are currently carrying out repairs using manual labour because we need funding for fuel to operate heavy machinery," an official from the Rammarmyay IDP Support Group said.

Local residents said the collapsed bridge is a vital transport link for nearby villages, including Htanpyein, Shaukchaung, Narmutway and Ngasami, and its destruction has caused major travel difficulties.

The bridge also serves as a key route connecting Laytaung town and Ramree town.

"If we want to travel to Ramree, we have to cross this bridge. Now that it has been destroyed and cannot be repaired immediately, residents from nearby villages are facing serious difficulties. In emergencies, including medical cases, it will be difficult to reach the town," a resident of Laytaung town said.

Several villages in the Kyaukchaung, Homle and Laytaung areas were affected by the flooding, which damaged roads, bridges and other infrastructure.

In Mayutchein Village in the Laytaung area, several bamboo bridges were destroyed. Landslides also occurred near U Ka Taung in the Kyaukchaung station area, damaging roads and disrupting transportation.

Continuous heavy rainfall since the first week of July has caused widespread flooding, landslides and infrastructure damage across at least 10 townships in Arakan State.

Although floodwaters have receded, damaged roads and bridges require urgent repairs. Flood-affected communities also continue to need emergency assistance, including food, clean drinking water and temporary shelter.