Tropical cyclone Maarutha crossed Thandwe and Ngapali on the night of April 16, yet caused little damage. About 120,000 people are living in surrounding towns across approximately 20,000 homes, according to Thandwe township General Administrative Office. A total of 81 houses, worth about Ks3.7 million were damaged by the storm. There are three houses which are destroyed by fallen trees. Firefighters cleared away the debris and the state government gave out galvanized iron sheets for people whose homes have been destroyed. Six lamp posts collapsed and broken. However, the state electricity supply board repaired them and now locals have electricity back. Some houses have superficial damage as coconut palm collapsed on parts of them, said Than Zaw Han, the general administrator of the township. Up to 700 locals took shelter at Nyaung Wine Monstery at Gyitaw ward in the evening and went back to their homes the next day, said a monk. Most of them elderly people and children. The rest are stayed at their homes. The storm entered here about 9 or 10 pm with strong wind. The monastery is not damaged, but houses near the beach had their roofs taken off. People who lived nearby came to the monastery whenever they faced natural disasters. The monastery is located in the mountain and it is strong enough for the intense weather conditions. said U Pa Nyeinna from the monastery. Some temporary shops at Ngapali Beach were damaged but it is not thought to be serious. Roads are packed with garbage and leaves and people cleared away them, said a local. Corporal Nyan Min Htoo from Thandwe township fire services department said, We are putting ourselves on standby to help them. Department of Meteorology and Hydrology announced this morning that the storm passed but the wind is still strong. The situation is stable in the town, and some travelers and pilgrims came to Thandwe to take shelter. Some stayed at our office and went back to the beach after the wind died down, and others went back to their homes. We haven’t begun the search and rescue operation yet. Fishing boats from Gyitaw ward have not gone out to the sea until April 17, sources said, as authorities warned fishing boats not to go out. We normally don’t go out to sea immediately after the storm has passed. We have to observe the weather conditions and provisions. said Zaw Wan, a fisherman from the ward.