Myanmar and Bangladesh struck by Category 5 Cyclone Mocha

Introduction

On May 28, 2021, Category 5 Cyclone Mocha hit Myanmar and Bangladesh, causing widespread damage and displacement. The cyclone, which formed in the Bay of Bengal, brought heavy rains, strong winds, and storm surges to the region, affecting millions of people.

Impact on Myanmar

In Myanmar, the cyclone caused severe flooding and landslides, particularly in the coastal regions of Rakhine and Chin states. According to the Myanmar Red Cross Society, at least 10,000 people have been displaced, and many homes and buildings have been destroyed. The cyclone also disrupted transportation and communication networks, making it difficult for aid workers to reach affected areas.

The Myanmar government has declared a state of emergency in the affected regions and has mobilized resources to provide relief and assistance to those affected. The government has also urged international organizations and donors to provide support, as the scale of the disaster is beyond the country’s capacity to handle alone.

Impact on Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, the cyclone caused widespread damage in the coastal districts of Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong, and Khulna. According to the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, at least 15,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed, and more than 100,000 people have been displaced. The cyclone also caused power outages and disrupted transportation and communication networks.

The Bangladesh government has also declared a state of emergency in the affected regions and has mobilized resources to provide relief and assistance to those affected. The government has urged international organizations and donors to provide support, as the scale of the disaster is beyond the country’s capacity to handle alone.

Conclusion

Cyclone Mocha has caused significant damage and displacement in Myanmar and Bangladesh, highlighting the vulnerability of these countries to natural disasters. The cyclone has also underscored the need for better disaster preparedness and response mechanisms in the region, as well as the importance of international cooperation and support in addressing the impacts of climate change.

As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, the impacts of natural disasters like Cyclone Mocha can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities and challenges. It is essential that governments, organizations, and individuals work together to address these challenges and build more resilient communities and systems

Original article Teaser

Category 5 Cyclone Mocha hits Myanmar, Bangladesh

Cyclone Mocha began to crash ashore at the Bangladesh-Myanmar border on Sunday, Bangladesh’s weather office said, uprooting trees and bringing driving rain to a region home to hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees. Packing winds of up to 195 kilometres (120 miles) per hour Mocha hit between Cox’s Bazar, where nearly one million Rohingya refugees live in camps largely made up of flimsy shelters, and Myanmar’s Sittwe, the office said. The US Joint Typhoon Warning Center earlier said Mocha was packing winds up to 140 knots, or 259 kph, equivalent to a category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. “Our camp houses, which are constructed with bamboo and tarpaulins, can be blown away in soft, light winds,” Mohammad Sayed

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