On 14 May 2023, an extremely severe Cyclone Mocha crossed the coast between Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh and Rakhine State in Myanmar with the wind estimated as high as 250 kmph, making it one of the strongest cyclones on record to hit the country. Preliminary report suggests significant damage in Rakhine, Myanmar. Extremely strong winds brought down power lines, uprooted trees, and damaged and destroyed houses.
The cyclone has devastated coastal areas, leaving hundreds of thousands of already vulnerable people without a roof over their heads with the monsoon just weeks away. The cyclone also brough heavy damage as it advanced inland bringing strong wind, heavy rain and flooding across areas in Chin, Sagaing, Magway and Kachin.
On 15 May, the National de facto authorities under Section 11 of the National Disaster Management Act declared all 17 townships in Rakhine to have been affected by the cyclone
Subsequently, on 16th of May 4 out of the 7 townships in Chin state were also declared as disaster affected areas by de facto National Authorities under Section 11 of the National Disaster Management Act.
WHO along with health partners have extended support to the emergency response of the Ministry of Health, providing critical and lifesaving assistance to affected communities in affected areas.
WHO IEHKs being loaded in Myanmar for prepositioning. Photo credit: UNOCHA Myanmar/2023