The tornado lasted for around 40 minutes, causing extensive damage that will take months to repair, local officials said.

While tornadoes are not uncommon in the lower parts of Myanmar during the summer and pre-monsoon periods, fatalities are rare.

Myanmar experiences extreme weather during the monsoon season every year, with Cyclone Nargis in 2008 claiming over 138,000 lives. Myanmar's military-installed leader, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, visited the affected area on Saturday and provided aid to residents.

The disaster destroyed two Buddhist monasteries and a small clinic, according to state-run MRTV television. (ILKHA)