Mizzima

Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing ordered the renovation of Bagan temples damaged by Cyvclone Mocha after touring the area in a motorcade.

The most notable Bagan temples and pagodas were built between the 11th and 13th centuries and the area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cyclone Mocha bought torrential rain to Bagan, which is in Mandalay Region’s Nyaung Oo District. At least 17 temples and pagodas were flooded as a result.

Eight pagodas and buildings were damaged and efforts are being made to complete the renovation as soon as possible, according to the Department of Archaeology and the Bagan National Museum.

During his tour, Min Aung Hlaing visited religious buildings and ordered the preservation of undamaged buildings.

He also ordered that the Bagan pagodas damaged by the cyclone should be repaired using traditional methods and materials, such as using glue made to the same formulation as the glue used when the temples were originally constructed, according to the junta supporting Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper.

He said that officials from the Department of Archaeology and the National Museum must carry out research to find a formula for the glue, which could then be used to renovate all ancient stupas and temples.

Min Aung Hlaing also said proper drainage systems should be constructed to avoid future flooding of Bagan and murals should be covered with glass to preserve them.

Critics claim that the cyclone damaged the temples because Bagan had not been adequately prepared for the storm.