Strong winds cause damage across Yangon, trees uprooted in several townships

Strong winds swept across multiple areas of Yangon, toppling trees and causing damage to some homes, according to residents and a statement from the Myanmar Fire Services Department.

The winds began blowing at around 3:00 pm. on April 30 and affected several townships, including Thaketa, Shwepyitha, Mayangone, North Dagon, Pazundaung, Tamwe, Dagon Seikkan, Insein, Mingaladon, Botahtaung, Mingala Taungnyunt, and Kyeemyindaing. Light rain was also reported in some areas.

Residents described the severity of the winds. “It was strong enough to make you feel like you could be blown away,” said a resident from Thaketa Township. A resident from Hlaing Tharyar Township added, “The wind was very strong. We had to shut all the doors and windows. It was quite intense.”

At the Time City commercial complex, where a market fair was being held, some stalls were damaged, with roofs blown off and structures collapsing due to the strong winds.

The Myanmar Fire Services Department reported that trees were uprooted in Kyeemyindaing, Yankin, and Ahlone townships, damaging at least one vehicle.

By the evening, light rain was falling in some parts of Yangon, and the wind had weakened compared to earlier in the day.

According to meteorological observer U Win Naing, strong cloud formations were developing around Bago and along the Daik-U, Kyauktan, and Nyaunglaybin areas. Yellow-level cloud zones near Bago indicated the potential for moderate to heavy rainfall. In northern Yangon Region, areas around Taikkyi near Hlegu were also covered with dense cloud, with thunderstorms likely to continue into the evening.