19-5-2023 (YANGON) The devastating impact of Cyclone Mocha in Myanmar has claimed the lives of 145 people, with the majority being Rohingya refugees, authorities confirmed on Friday (May 19). This powerful storm, the strongest in over a decade, struck the region over the weekend, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
Cyclone Mocha brought torrential rain and wind speeds of 195kmh (120mph) to Myanmar and neighboring Bangladesh on Sunday, causing buildings to collapse and transforming streets into raging rivers. Villages were engulfed, trees were uprooted, and communication networks were severed across Myanmar’s Rakhine state.
Rakhine state is home to a large population of Rohingya refugees who reside in displacement camps due to long-standing ethnic conflicts. According to a statement from Myanmar’s junta authorities, a total of 145 local people lost their lives during the cyclone. This figure includes four soldiers, 24 locals, and 117 individuals referred to as “Bengalis,” a derogatory term used to describe the Rohingya.
The Rohingya, considered by many as migrants from Bangladesh, face severe restrictions in Myanmar, including the denial of citizenship and limited access to healthcare. They require permission to travel outside their designated townships.
A Rohingya village leader previously informed AFP that more than 100 people were reported missing from his village alone in the aftermath of the storm. Another leader near the capital city of Sittwe in Rakhine state revealed that at least 105 Rohingya had perished, with the counting of casualties still ongoing.
The junta’s statement refuted media reports claiming that 400 Rohingya had died, stating that these reports were false. It further warned of taking action against outlets that published such figures. Since the military coup over two years ago, the junta has arrested numerous journalists and shut down media organizations critical of its rule.
According to junta-backed media, naval ships and the air force have delivered thousands of bags of rice to the affected areas. Additionally, thousands of electricians, firefighters, and rescue workers have been deployed across Rakhine to assist with recovery efforts.
The resumption of normal flight services at Sittwe airport on Thursday was reported by the Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper, indicating some progress in restoring connectivity and support to the affected regions.
