Local people in Sagaing Region are being warned to take care as Cyclone Mocha moves north bringing with it heavy rain and strong winds, according to a weather forecaster.

At 11:30 am Myanmar time, Cyclone Mocha, which has been downgraded in severity to a tropical storm was 1.4 miles northeast of Hethat in the Sagaing Region, according to Sonia Leonard, researcher on Climate Change and Disaster Management who is tracking the cyclone.

Wind gusts of up to 47 mph can be expected. Heavy rain is currently being experienced across the region, with a warning of localised flooding from streams and rivers.

The affected areas are: Myaung, Monywa, Kani, Khin U, Yinmarpin, Kale, Chaung U, Kawlin, Taze and Ayardaw.

Because of the cyclone, heavy rains and strong winds destroyed the crops in the farming land in Myaung, blocked off the roads due to fallen trees in Monywa, and flooded Yinmarpin Township.

To compound the problem of the natural disaster, 10,000 villagers from Kani, and 3,000 from Khin U and Kale are fleeing their villages because Myanmar junta troops are approaching the villages during the storm, as of 14 May.