Pajau Media Channel
8th July, 2024
Local residents report that travel has become difficult due to continuous landslides and destruction on the highway connecting Putao and Hkawng Lang Hpu.
The road has deteriorated since the beginning of the rainy season, making it nearly impassable. It is currently blocked by damage and debris.
A local resident stated, "No vehicle can pass through the road anymore. It took me eight days to get to Putao from Hkawng Lang Hpu. The continuous rain has caused landslides, mountain collapses, and bridge damage everywhere. We came to Putao to buy food, but it's no longer easy to carry it ourselves. Our legs were injured because of the rough journey."
Heavy rains since mid-June have made even foot travel difficult, and motorbikes are stuck due to landslides blocking the roads.
An elder from Hkawng Lang Hpu mentioned that students are unable to attend school due to these transportation difficulties. "Most children in Hkawng Lang Hpu will not be able to go to school this year. When school opened in June, students couldn't afford the cost of goods and accommodations because the Myitkyina-Putao highway was closed. Most hostels were also closed and didn't accept any students. In Hkawng Lang Hpu, due to regional difficulties, there are not enough teachers, and some schools remain closed," the elder added.
Since the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, China border checkpoints have been blocked, forcing Hkawng Lang Hpu residents to rely on goods from Putao. With the Myitkyina-Putao highway closed and flooding continuing, they are facing food shortages similar to those experienced in 2020.
News - Mali Hku
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