Today Rangoon: Eyewitness Account

by Mizzima News

Wednesday, 07 May 2008 20:43

Many areas in Rangoon are pitch dark at nights, including areas around Sule Pagoda which is unusually not lit. Without a torch it is dangerous to walk on the streets, as jagged edges of uprooted trees protrude into sidewalks and streets at odd angles. While Shwedagon is lit, damage to the precincts is estimated at 60 to 70 percent, with the gold exterior of several roofs removed altogether and multiple 'Htis' [umbrellas] nearly bent over double. Throughout the city trees have been uprooted or felled. Entire roots are now lying exposed. In some cases trees were uprooted despite being surrounded by concrete slabs around the base. Traffic lights are not working, with no policemen in sight to monitor traffic flow. Around the city both civilians and government units can be seen cleaning up debris at various locations, though the clean-up process is likely to take months. The area around Innya Lake has suffered extensive damage. From across the lake, there is no reason to believe that 54 University Avenue, where Burma's popular leader is under house arrest, did not suffer damage, though the true extent of damage to property could not be accurately assessed. Water is available in most of Rangoon proper. If there is a problem for the local population in acquiring potable water it is a result of lack of funds - as bottled water is not yet short in supply and enough stores and restaurants  are now open - though many remain closed. Phone stalls on street corners are functional, with several land lines around town can be reached. Electricity seems to be a major problem that could take weeks to restore fully. Power lines are down everywhere. While areas such as South Dagon report roofs being ripped off from several homes, residents do not speak of any major casualties. Rangoon, it would appear, while suffering severe property and infrastructure damages, got off extremely lightly when compared to the delta region. Internet cafes are again starting to function. There is very light security presence on the streets - barely a soldier is to be seen on patrol. There is no sign of looting in downtown areas. Tour groups are again being welcomed at the airport. Domestic airline services may be hampered due to government requisitioning of airline equipment for relief effort s- some of which could be seen being utilized on government run television last night. Lines for petrol are absurdly long at some stations – possibly stretching over a kilometre. Long distance buses are not running regularly between Bagan and Yangon due to the high price of petrol which makes the cost prohibitive for prospective customers. After that route was run yesterday, it is now said that no buses will ply on the route for the next couple of days. < Prev   Next >