Landslides on the road between the Karenni (Kayah) State border and Hsee Bu village in Pekon Township in southern Shan State have caused transportation difficulties, raising concerns about living conditions and food supplies for internally displaced persons (IDPs) along the route, according to local sources.
Heavy rains and erosion have caused cracks in the ground where the IDPs live, raising fears of landslides at any time, said U Philip, a volunteer with a rural development organization.
“Some of the IDPs’ roadside shelters are at risk as there are cracks under the concrete. Their houses, lives and livelihoods are at risk. We have seen houses affected by these cracks. But for now, it’s just the cracking stage,” U Philip explained.
The road has not yet completely collapsed, but the current situation is dangerous and worrying, according to U Philip.
He explained: “The heavy rain is causing erosion, which leads to landslides. The Hsee Bu road has a less solid rock foundation and consists mainly of layers of soil in the mountainous areas. This makes the road more susceptible to damage from rainwater.”
The rural development organization warns that further deterioration of the main road to Hsee Bu village could have a serious impact on the health, socio-economic conditions and daily lives of both local residents and IDPs. In addition, transportation could be disrupted in emergency situations.
“The current damage is very difficult and expensive to repair. If the rains continue, repairs will be a challenge,” added U Philip.
The road from Karenni State border to Hsee Bu village in Pekon Township was a high quality road built before the military coup. It is also part of the route that connects Loikaw to Taungoo.
Sent by NMG.