Chiang Mai (Mizzima) - A fierce gale lashed villages in Monywa yesterday damaging homes, monasteries, and schools, residents said.

The storm started brewing at 3 pm on May 6 and headed northeast of Monywa, on the west bank of Chindwin River in Sagaing Division. It lasted about 30 minutes. It was laced with rain and hail.

Though the quantum of damage and its money value was not exactly assessed, about 50 houses were damaged in a village. The gale also hit seven other villages.  

“I guess I’m just lucky to be alive. Zinc roofs were blown off. I did not dare go outside. It was frightening and people stayed in safe places. I have never experienced such a storm,” a 40 year old villager told Mizzima.

The storm damaged schools and monasteries. It will be difficult to repair the schools in time for the next academic session before June.                                                 

“Strong gusts of wind blew from every direction. Initially it blew from the south. Then, from the west and then the North,” another resident told Mizzima over telephone.

“Roofs of some houses were turned upside down and some were blown off in the fierce winds. It was difficult to salvage them after the storm. Some roofs were extensively damaged. Some houses collapsed and some were found leaning on one side. Now people have to repair the houses on their own,” he added.