CHIN STATE – As the junta council continues to block the entrance and exits in Matupi, the residents who had their houses wrecked by Cyclone Mocha are said to be facing difficulties acquiring materials to fix their houses.
Residents said that the junta council, in addition to making no preparations for the cyclone in Matupi Township, is still restricting people from entering or leaving the town at a time the people are facing hardships post natural disaster.
“Almost the entire village was wrecked by the storm so we do not have any zinc roof sheets to repair the roofs. We heard that a single sheet costs around 20,000 MMK in the town but we weren’t allowed to go and make a purchase,” said a resident of Htisaung Village.
There is an urgent need for construction materials to repair the destroyed houses and it is reported that the junta council has not made any visits to observe the damages.
“Some houses were completely destroyed and as there are no materials available for repairs right now, they can only take shelter with their neighbours,” said a local man from Hpanaing Village.
Most villages in Matupi Township had fled to Mizoram State, India due to the ongoing political conflicts, leaving only several villagers still residing there.
As no organisation has come to carry out search and rescue operations, local people said they are clearing the area and making repairs on their own.
The junta council announced on May 16, declaring Tedim Township, Paletwa Township, Matupi Township and Hakha Township of Chin State affected by Cyclone Mocha as zones affected by natural disasters.