YANGON, July 13 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar has planned to restore the cyclone-affected ancient town of Mrauk U in Rakhine state in compliance with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) guidelines, the country's Department of Archaeology and National Museum said on Thursday.
"We will start the restoration works when we secure the necessary funding from the Rakhine state government," U Maung San Win, a deputy director of the Department of Archaeology and National Museum, told Xinhua, adding that they already informed the Rakhine state government about the restoration project and financial requirements.
He explained that in accordance with the UNESCO conservation guidelines, the restoration of the damaged stone walls and buildings in the ancient town will involve the use of locally sourced natural stones and the application of ancient-style cement.
Places heavily damaged by Cyclone Mocha included a building on a mountain with stone inscriptions and three ancient monasteries, he said.
Cyclone Mocha made landfall in Rakhine state in May, resulting in loss of life and property damage. ■
