More than 450 fatalities in Myanmar after Tropical Cyclone “Mocha” makes landfall
Image credit: MOHADM - NUG - Myanmar
At least 455 lives were lost after the landfall of Tropical Cyclone “Mocha” just north of Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine State, on Sunday, May 14, 2023.
A situational report released by the Myanmar government on May 17 reported a preliminary death toll of 455 and an unspecified number of people missing. 431 deaths were reported in Rakhine, 15 in Magway, 4 in Sagaing, 2 in Shan, and 1 each in Yangon, Ayeyarwady, and Mandalay.
An estimated 500 000 households need roofing material, especially tarpaulins, while food and drinking water is urgently required for about 1 million people (in Rakhine state alone).
Extensive crop damage has been reported, amounting to at least 17 206 ha (42 517 acres).
Mocha made landfall on May 14 with maximum 1-minute sustained winds of 240 km/h (150 mph), and wind gusts up to 305 km/h (190 mph). The cyclone brought heavy rain, causing destructive floods and landslides.
The worst affected state is Rakhine, followed by Sagaing, Magway, and Chin.
See our initial landfall report here:
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