Hsu / Saw (NP News) - June 8

An antient pagoda in Bagan Ancient Culture Zone located in Nyaung-U Township, Mandalay, namely Buu Pagoda was struck by lightning and resulted in minor damages. 

“The Buu Pagoda located on the bank of Ayeyarwady River was struck by lightning after the torrential rain around 9 pm on 6th June.” said Director General of the Department of Bagan Archaeology, Myint Thein.  

He recounted to NP News that “Last night, there was a torrential rain with lightnings and thunders. The lightnings struck the outside of Ayeyarwady River. Unfortunately, the Pagoda has fallen the immediate vicinity of the corona discharge. Although the lightning rod was installed, it happened. This is the natural disaster reaching beyond preparations. We need to urge all the pagoda board of trustees to recheck all the lightning rods that were installed at the pagodas.”

The lighting strike hits the body of the pagoda with two centimeters deep and two inches wide hole and another with the similar damage. Also at the foot of the Pagoda, six inches of cement layer fell off.    

It is estimated to take three days to repair the pagod starting from 7th June under the management of the Department of the Bagan Archaeology.   

He continued saying that “Our repairing work will be commenced starting form now and we will try to finish the repair work within two or three days as soon as possible.”