Typhoon Yagi devastates historic Inwa Bridge
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Hsu/ Saw (NP News) - Sep 30
Due to erosion, the historic Maha Zeyapathet Bridge in the town of Inwa has suffered damage, including crumbling brickwork, according to historian and writer Bo Shake (Yatanapura), who spoke to The Statesman journal.
The Maha Zeyapathet Bridge, extending about a mile (500 ta in Burmese measurement) from the Hanthawaddy Gate to the Mingala Stupa south of Inwa, was originally built of wood during the reign of King Min Swa (also known as Min Kaung of the First Inwa Dynasty). Subsequently, it was repaired and rebuilt by the governor of Salin, U Oo, under the patronage of Queen Nanmadaw Me Nu during the Konbaung Dynasty.
On September 9th, following Typhoon Yagi, flooding occurred in several regions, including Naypyidaw, causing substantial damage to the aforementioned bridge due to the powerful water currents.
This year alone, the bridge has been submerged twice, just a few months apart. While the first submersion caused only minor damage, this second time, the damage is much more extensive. The brick columns have shifted, and the original bricks have even been eroded and resurfaced. If the water management situation isn't addressed in the long term, there will be further damage, according to Bo Shake (Yatanapura).
It is reported that the Department of Archaeology and the National Museum has yet to undertake any preservation measures for the bridge to address the damage.
The deterioration of the bridge is attributed to several factors, including the passage of large vehicles exceeding 3 tons, careless disposal of construction materials, and natural disasters.
"We need to effectively prevent further damage to the bridge by restricting overweight vehicles. We also need to stop people from dumping construction debris, rocks, and bricks on the bridge. From our point of view, they should close off the bridge and direct traffic to alternative routes. About 30 to 40 years ago, people used to take the old roads that ran on either side of the bridge. If we reopen those roads, the bridge will be preserved," he suggested.