Tornadoes damage over 100 houses across five Arakan townships

By Admin 07 Jul 2026

DMG Newsroom

7 July 2026, Thandwe

More than 100 houses, along with monasteries, schools and shelters for internally displaced people, were damaged after tornadoes struck five townships in southern Arakan State on July 5.

The tornadoes caused widespread damage in Ramree, Gwa, Thandwe, Taungup and Kyaukphyu townships.

In Kyauknimaw Village, Ramree Township, 10 houses, a school building and a telecommunications tower were destroyed.

“A tornado struck our village on the morning of July 5. It was very strong and destroyed houses, the school and the tower. People from about 10 households are now staying with relatives,” a resident of Kyauknimaw Village told DMG.

In Zeekhon Village, Gwa Township, strong winds damaged houses and tore off roofs, while nearly 60 houses were damaged in Peintawgyi, Peintawlay and Latpandaw villages in Thandwe Township.

In Moungchaung Village, Taungup Township, the village monastery's refectory, Dhamma hall, pagoda and three houses were damaged.

Meanwhile, 43 houses, including shelters for internally displaced people, were destroyed in Kin Pinlenar and Kalantel villages in Kyaukphyu Township.

“Many people in Kyaukphyu have already been displaced by the fighting and do not have permanent homes. Now, the tornado has destroyed many shelters for displaced families. Natural disasters like this are making life even more difficult for local residents and IDPs,” an aid worker in Kyaukphyu Township said.

People whose homes were destroyed or left uninhabitable are facing shelter shortages and are in urgent need of emergency assistance.

Although village elders and local social organizations have provided assistance, residents said significant needs remain.

Heavy rain in recent days has also caused flooding and water overflows in northern Arakan townships, including Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Minbya and Maungdaw.

The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology has warned that a depression over the northwest Bay of Bengal could bring heavy rain, flooding and landslides to Arakan State.

The department also warned that wave heights could reach 8 to 10 feet in Myanmar waters, including offshore areas of Arakan State, and urged near shore and offshore fishing vessels and maritime transport operators to take special precautions.