Tree branch falls in Mawlamyine, damaging two houses

It has been learned from residents of Shwe Taung Ward, Mawlamyine Township, that a large banyan tree located behind the District Education Office compound in Shwe Taung Ward, Mawlamyine Township, shed a branch, causing damage to two houses. Around 7 AM today, June 29, due to heavy rainfall, a large banyan branch approximately 3 feet in circumference fell from a large banyan tree behind the Mawlamyine District Education Office compound in Shwe Taung Ward, Mawlamyine Township. The branch fell towards the Yakkan Wine Ward, adjacent to the District Education Office, and two houses within the District Education Office compound, near the large banyan tree, were damaged by the falling branch, according to a resident of the ward. The resident further stated, "This large banyan tree is about 100 years old. The circumference of the tree is over 6 feet. A branch from this large tree, with a circumference of over 3 feet, fell during the heavy rain. One house was almost completely destroyed. Another house had its rear half collapsed. Fortunately, there were no human casualties." He also added that a house in Yakkan Wine Ward also sustained minor damage. It is reported that the Myanmar Fire Brigade's Rescue Team, along with social welfare and rescue organizations from Mawlamyine, and local residents, are carrying out clearing and removal operations of the fallen banyan branch. It is also reported that on May 8, due to heavy rainfall and strong winds, a large banyan tree within the compound of Shwe Lamin Private Hospital in Aung Chan Ward, Mawlamyine Township, fell from its roots, and some trees in Mawlamyine city also fell.