Over 10 households have been affected by landslides in the Chin state capital of Hakha. The danger started after a new construction was started in the area on March 26. Soon after Pu Chan Bik’s was being built cracks were seen in the cement foundation. Despite this, the construction, which was being built without approval of the other homes that are affected, continued until it started to collapse.
Residents of 10 homes have already been relocated to safer locations by locals, a youth group, the fire department, police and Red Cross.
“My house, which is adjacent and has a kitchen on the side (of the newly built home), collapsed yesterday night. Constructors workers came with bulldozers, but they didn’t give me any information,” said Ma Ngein.
The landslide is being monitored by Pu Ngun San Aung, minister of road communication and Pu Tam Aung, minister of municipal affairs. The cracks weren’t caused by the bulldozers said the Chin state ministers, according to one local.
Pu Ngun San Aung has recently banned the heavy machinery after it became evident that they were loosening the earth around the site and causing more landslides.
Ma Ngein couldn’t understand why the construction of the home was stopped “because it will cause landslides” but the authorities didn’t immediately stop “the use of bulldozers”.
The landslides have affected the homes of Pu Chung Hmung, Pu Za Thawng, Pi Sung Tial, Pu Biak Nawl, Pu Thang Cung, Pu Zo Bawi, Pu Tial Hnin and Pu Kheng Tawi. The Chin Taungtan restaurant and 2 more households are also affected by the landslides.
