At least eight killed as severe storms with golf-size hailstones hit northern Myanmar (Burma)

Violent storms that saw hailstones the size of golf balls rain down across the north of Myanmar (formerly Burma) have killed at least eight people, toppled pagodas and damaged thousands of buildings, according to officials. The freak storms struck across five states and regions on April 22 and 23 after weeks in which temperatures regularly topped 40 Celsius. Meteorological experts say more wild weather is expected through to tomorrow, after which high temperatures will be the norm.
“From what we know now there are eight people killed and 7500 houses destroyed during these days,” said Daw Phyu Lei Lei Tun, a director in the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement. She added that the toll may increase as more information becomes available.
Six of the victims died in Yay Tha Yauk village in Mandalay Region after flash flooding. The storm also ripped roofs off 150 homes in the village, the Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Facebook page said. State media reported yesterday that one woman died on April 21 in Monywa, Sagaing Region, when a tree fell on her home. Other areas that were struck included Magwe Region, and Shan and Chin states. Pictures and TV footage showed huge hailstones crashing onto flooded streets and clattering off metal roofs as residents rushed for shelter. The state-run Global New Light of Myanmar said more than 1700 stupas were damaged by gale- force winds at a site in southern Shan State on the night of April 22.
The severe weather has damaged crops and killed animals, according to the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement. Damage reports are still being collated and are not yet ready for release, an official said yesterday.