Powerful storm hits Myanmar, threatening major disaster

Aid agencies warn of the possibility of a major disaster.

AP quoted the Joint Typhoon Warning Center as saying that since forming in the Bay of Bengal on the morning of May 11, tropical storm Mocha has strengthened and maintained winds of 259 km/h, gusting over 315 km/h.

Cyclone Mocha hits Myanmar, threatening Bangladesh. Photo: CNN

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department said Mocha is likely to move north-northeast through Rakhine State, Myanmar, and is expected to sweep through Cox's Bazar, southeastern Bangladesh, home to the world's largest refugee camp with more than 1 million Rohingya refugees.

Aid agencies in Bangladesh and Myanmar have launched large-scale emergency plans as the storm brings strong winds and rain along with the risk of flooding and landslides.

Disaster response teams and more than 3,000 local volunteers trained in disaster preparedness and first aid are also on standby.

Some 7,500 emergency shelter kits, 4,000 hygiene kits and 2,000 water containers are ready for distribution. In addition, mobile medical teams and dozens of ambulances are prepared to respond to refugees and Bangladeshis in need.

"We expect this storm to have a more severe impact than any other natural disaster they have faced in the last five years," said UN chief coordinator Arjun Jain. "At this stage, we don't know where the storm will hit and what the intensity will be. So we are hoping for the best but preparing for the worst."

The process of evacuating people in low-lying areas or those with serious health problems has begun, Mr Jain added.

In Myanmar, residents in coastal areas of Rakhine state and Ayeyarwady region have begun evacuating and seeking shelter in schools and monasteries.

Pham Nghia

Source: https://nld.com.vn/thoi-su-quoc-te/bao-cuc-manh-do-bo-myanmar-de-doa-tham-hoa-nghiem-trong-20230514184703203.htm