Passenger buses inaccessible due to continuous heavy rain in Myawaddy border area

Passenger buses inaccessible due to continuous heavy rain in Myawaddy border area
Published 31 May 2024

Due to continuous heavy rain, passenger bus services in the Myawaddy area on the Myanmar-Thailand border have been suspended. Many vehicles are stranded on Dawna Taungkyaw Road, according to passenger transport bus lines.

Vehicles traveling from Yangon to Myawaddy are stuck at the foothill on the Htotkawkoe side, while others are stranded on the Myawaddy-Kyawkhoe side. As a result, vehicle access has been temporarily halted, a representative from the Myawaddy-Yangon passenger bus line confirmed.

"The rain has made the roads inaccessible, and passenger bus services are suspended. Vehicles coming from Yangon and those leaving Myawaddy are stuck at the foot of the mountain. While large trucks are allowed to use the old road, passenger cars are not going because there is no guarantee for passenger safety. They don't dare to travel," said the representative.

A driver from the Myawaddy-Mawlamyine bus line reported, "I attempted to reach Myawaddy on May 27, trying roads like 1018 Road, Htotkawkoe Road, and Thitkatay Kyatutaung Road, but I couldn't make it and had to return to Mawlamyine."

Some private vehicles were pulled by tractors, men, or even elephants to reach their destinations. The muddy roads are being plowed and repaired with tractors, it is reported.

Following clashes between two sides, the new Asia Road over Dawna Taungkyaw remains closed, forcing passenger and freight traffic to use earthen roads like Myawaddy-Kyawkhoe-Htotkawkoe-1018 Street-Thitkatay Kyatutaung Road.