Heavy Rain Triggers Landslide, Blocks Putao–Naungmon Road

A landslide caused by heavy rainfall has blocked part of the Putao–Machanbaw–Naungmon road in Naungmon Township, Putao District, according to reports.

Continuous heavy rain in Naungmon Township caused a mountainside collapse onto the main Putao–Machanbaw–Naungmon road starting from the morning of May 23, leading to traffic disruptions.

According to rainfall measurements taken at 9 a.m. on May 23, Naungmon Township recorded 12.54 inches of rain. Due to the persistent rainfall, a section of the mountainside between mileposts 81 and 82, located between Kwanlin and Kasandam villages, collapsed onto the road. The landslide debris, estimated to be about 50 feet long and 3 feet high, blocked the roadway.

As a result, only pedestrians and motorcycles were able to pass through via a bypass route, while larger vehicles were unable to travel through the area.

Authorities said that, under the supervision of the township administrative and management committee, staff from the township road department would carry out continuous clearance operations using manpower and machinery to remove the debris and restore access for vehicles of all sizes.