NUG logs 18 Cyclone Mocha deaths as extent of storm damage is gradually revealed

16 May 2023
NUG logs 18 Cyclone Mocha deaths as extent of storm damage is gradually revealed
A handout photos made available by the Myanmar Military Information team shows an aerial view of damage buildings after cyclone Mocha made landfall in Sittwe, Rakhine State, Myanmar, 15 May 2023. Photo: EPA

Cyclone Mocha, which made landfall on 14 May, caused flooding in Sagaing Region and resulted in the deaths of 18 people in a wider area and the flooding of more than 31,000 acres of land, according to National Unity Government's (NUG) Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management.

The deaths were one person in Yinmarbin Township, 67-year-old elderly IDP of Magway’s Gangaw Township, mother and child from Salin, one man from Pauk Township, father and child from Yezagyo Township, one each from Rakhine’s Sittwe, Taungup and Ranbye, three from Mrauk-U Township, one in Mandalay’s Pyin Oo Lwin Township, two in Shan’s Tachileik, one in Yangon’s Kawmhu, one in Ayeyarwaddy region, the NUG stated in their tally so far.

Floods, landslides, fallen trees, building damage, and lightning strikes were the main causes of the fatalities.

The damage list for certain townships that have lost connectivity is still being collected, and the list above represents the number received as of 15 May at 2:00 pm.

Additionally, there are people who have been injured or become sick as a result of Cyclone Mocha. The toll includes damage to residences, important structures, roads, bridges, flooding and crop damages. The statement also mentions the deaths of buffalo, cows, goats and pigs from drowning in the flood water.

In Sagaing's Kanni and Yinmarbin Townships, there are additional deaths and property damage, but it is said that the junta forces launched an offensive troop column and are unable to offer rescue to cyclone victims.

In addition, damage to betel fields and other crops in Yinmarbin Township and also more than 10,000 acres damage to mung bean, Vigna mungo, Chili, sesames and Chrysanthemums fields from western Khin U Township, more than 1,000 acres of agricultural crops in Pale Township, about 10,000 acres of mung beans and vigna mungo fields and more than 10,000 acres in Shwe Bo Township were flooded and damaged.

The statement claims that the storm also damaged 20,000 tons of onions, 34 betel nut fields, and around 50 acres of sesame in the west of Pakokku town in the Magway region.

The NUG has announced that it will contribute $1 million to the Cyclone Mocha emergency response.