18 April 2026 By Nway
GYOBINGAUK, Myanmar — A powerful hailstorm and violent winds tore through Gyobingauk Township on Friday, leaving more than 400 homes in ruins and injuring at least two people as the country celebrated its traditional New Year.
The storm, which lasted for over two hours, began at approximately 3:15 PM and battered a dozen villages, including Chaung Khwa, Thayet Kone, and Kywe Te. Local sources report that out of the 419 houses affected, 279 were completely destroyed, while the remainder suffered significant structural damage, including ripped-off roofs.
“The winds and hail were relentless until around 5:00 PM,” a local representative told MPA. “Chaung Khwa village was the hardest hit, with 83 houses destroyed in that area alone. Two residents were injured when their homes collapsed on them, though their conditions are currently stable.”
The injured individuals have been identified as a 17-year-old youth from Thayet Kone and a 42-year-old woman from Kywe Te.
The sudden disaster has left hundreds of villagers homeless, forcing them to take temporary shelter in local monasteries or with relatives in nearby areas. “Many people have lost everything. While the weather has cleared up this morning, the challenge of rebuilding is immense,” the source added.
The economic impact on these rural communities is expected to be severe. Most of the affected families are agricultural workers who already face financial hardship due to the country’s ongoing political and economic instability. With their primary shelters gone, many residents expressed uncertainty about how they will afford the materials needed to reconstruct their homes.
Myanmar is increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events during the pre-monsoon season, which typically runs from April to May. Meteorologists have warned that rising temperatures can lead to more frequent and intense localised storms, often accompanied by heavy hail.
As of Saturday, local volunteer groups have begun assessing the damage to provide emergency assistance. However, without substantial support, the path to recovery for the displaced families of Gyobingauk remains fraught with difficulty.
