Heavy Rain Brings Down Giant Banyan Branch, Damaging Two Homes in Mawlamyine

Two houses were damaged after a large branch from a century-old banyan tree collapsed during heavy rain in Mawlamyine on the morning of 29 June, according to local residents.

The incident occurred at around 7 a.m. behind the Mawlamyine District Education Officer’s Office in Shwe Taung Ward. A banyan branch measuring around three feet in diameter broke off during the downpour and fell towards the Yatkan Win residential area adjacent to the education office compound.

The falling branch crushed two houses within the office compound. One house was left on the verge of collapse, while the rear section of the other was severely damaged. No injuries were reported.

A local resident said the banyan tree is believed to be around 100 years old, with a trunk measuring more than six feet in circumference. The large branch snapped while heavy rain was falling, causing extensive damage to the nearby homes.

A house in Yatkan Win Ward also sustained minor damage in the incident.

Rescue teams from the Myanmar Fire Services Department, together with local volunteer rescue organisations and residents, were clearing the fallen branch from the area.

The incident follows a similar event on 8 May, when heavy rain and strong winds uprooted another large banyan tree inside the Shwe La Min Private Hospital compound in Auk Kyin Ward. Several other trees across Mawlamyine also fell during that storm.