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On 14 May 2023, Cyclone Mocha hit the coast of Arakan (Rakhine State) with devastating consequences. Bangladesh was also struck but the greatest impact was felt in Myanmar where the military State Administration Council was badly prepared. In this commentary, Naing Lin examines the backdrop to the cyclone, steps taken by the ceasefire United League of Arakan, and uncertainty over the loss of life, including Rohingya fatalities. The situation remains grave. But access continues to be restricted to the worst-affected communities under SAC rule.
These commentaries are intended to contribute to a broader understanding of the many challenges facing the country and its peoples.
See the complete list of all the Myanmar commentaries.
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The Strike of Cyclone Mocha and the Fate of Arakan People
A Myanmar Commentary by Naing Lin
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The destroyed road on Sittwe beach front. / Photo credit private source
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After the introduction of a ‘humanitarian ceasefire’ in late November 2022 between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army, the political landscape in Arakan (Rakhine State) came to reach a relatively stable phase compared to other parts of the country. Consequently, the local population could have a chance to enjoy the liberalisation of trade, transportation, medical supplies and some other essential needs. But this situation did not last long when an ‘extremely severe cyclone’ known as ‘Mocha’ or ‘Mokha’, named after a Red Sea port city in Yemen, struck the coast of Arakan in western Myanmar with wind gusts of over 200 kilometres per hour (195 mph) on 14 May lunchtime (around 11 AM to 1 PM).
Accurate data and statistics are still difficult to find. But the key cities and townships that fell along the cyclone path and bowed to the destruction are Sittwe, Rathedaung, Ponnagyun, Pauktaw, Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Minbya and Myebon. The impact on other neighbouring townships was relatively low. But, in historic and geographic terms, the main areas affected are the heart of Arakan civilisation and the backbone of political and economic power situated along the Kaladan valley. A large majority of the Arakan population lives in these areas, and these are the places in which armed conflicts have been the most intensive and extensive during wartime.
In reality, the full destructive impact of the cyclone is yet to be counted. In line with UNOCHA data of 16 May, up to 5.4 million people are expected to have been in the cyclone path, including Arakan and other northwest areas of Myanmar, including Chin State and the Magway and Sagaing Regions. Among those hit, nearly 3.2 million are targeted as the most vulnerable with a likely scenario of humanitarian needs. The UNOCHA summary, however, has not clearly detailed the specific populations in each area, including Arakan.
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