<p>In Rakhine, Myanmar, hundreds of people are feared dead as Cyclone Mocha hit the nation. On Tuesday, residents and aid groups reported that numerous individuals, including Rohingya Muslims, are believed to have perished after the cyclone struck Myanmar over the weekend.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per Reuters cyclone Mocha&nbsp;inflicted severe damage on Myanmar's impoverished Rakhine State, with powerful winds reaching speeds of up to 210 kph (130 mph) tearing off roofs and a storm surge that flooded the state capital, Sittwe.</p>

<p>Residents in Rakhine State have reported that at least 100 people have lost their lives, and many more are missing and presumed dead. As per them, unfortunately, aid is yet to reach the affected areas. Additionally, Bangladesh has been facing severe power shortages — its worst power cuts in over seven months — which has exacerbated the challenges in responding to the crisis.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cyclone-mocha-at-least-six-killed-hundreds-injured-after-powerful-storm-batters-myanmar-592635">Cyclone Mocha: At least six killed, hundreds injured after powerful storm batters Myanmar</a></strong></p>

<p>The affected region, as per Reuters, is densely populated by Rohingya Muslims, a persecuted minority that successive governments in Myanmar have "refused to recognise".&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, speaking to Reuters, a resident who chose to remain anonymous, said that more than 100 Rohingya Muslims have been killed. He reportedly based this number on his personal&nbsp;assessment&nbsp;of multiple villages he visited after the cyclone.&nbsp;</p>

<p>News portal Myanmar Now also suggested that hundreds were feared dead. Aid groups have also acknowledged the occurrence of a "significant number of deaths".&nbsp;</p>

<p>In contrast to these numbers, Myanmar's state media reported that only three people had been killed.</p>

<p>The reported death toll has not been verified, and there is still uncertainty surrounding the exact number of casualties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A spokesperson for the pro-democracy shadow National Unity Government told Reuters that they had received confirmation of approximately 400 Rohingya deaths, primarily in the Sittwe area.</p>

<p>"We received confirmation of about 400 Rohingya deaths, mainly around Sittwe area".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-cyclone-mocha-causes-devastation-in-myanmar-bangladesh-592475">In Pics | Cyclone Mocha causes devastation in Myanmar, Bangladesh</a></strong></p>

<p>Ramanathan Balakrishnan, of the UN's Office of Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, said that "It's really a nightmare scenario for the cyclone to hit areas with such deep pre-existing needs." He estimates that approximately 5.4 million people were in the path of the cyclone, a majority of whom were considered vulnerable. Early priorities as r Balakrishnan include shelter, water, sanitation, and relief supplies.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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In Rakhine, Myanmar, hundreds of people are feared dead as Cyclone Mocha hit the nation. On Tuesday, residents and aid groups reported that numerous individuals, including Rohingya Muslims, are believed to have perished after the cyclone struck Myanmar over the weekend.

In Rakhine, Myanmar, hundreds of people are feared dead as Cyclone Mocha hit the nation. On Tuesday, residents and aid groups reported that numerous individuals, including Rohingya Muslims, are believed to have perished after the cyclone struck Myanmar over the weekend. As per Reuters cyclone Mocha inflicted severe damage on Myanmar's impoverished Rakhine State, with powerful winds reaching speeds of up to 210 kph (130 mph) tearing off roofs and a storm surge that flooded the state capital, Sittwe. Residents in Rakhine State have reported that at least 100 people have lost their lives, and many more are missing and presumed dead. As per them, unfortunately, aid is yet to reach the affected areas. Additionally, Bangladesh has been facing severe power shortages — its worst power cuts in over seven months — which has exacerbated the challenges in responding to the crisis. Also read | Cyclone Mocha: At least six killed, hundreds injured after powerful storm batters Myanmar The affected region, as per Reuters, is densely populated by Rohingya Muslims, a persecuted minority that successive governments in Myanmar have "refused to recognise". However, speaking to Reuters, a resident who chose to remain anonymous, said that more than 100 Rohingya Muslims have been killed. He reportedly based this number on his personal assessment of multiple villages he visited after the cyclone. News portal Myanmar Now also suggested that hundreds were feared dead. Aid groups have also acknowledged the occurrence of a "significant number of deaths". In contrast to these numbers, Myanmar's state media reported that only three people had been killed. The reported death toll has not been verified, and there is still uncertainty surrounding the exact number of casualties. A spokesperson for the pro-democracy shadow National Unity Government told Reuters that they had received confirmation of approximately 400 Rohingya deaths, primarily in the Sittwe area. "We received confirmation of about 400 Rohingya deaths, mainly around Sittwe area". Also read | In Pics | Cyclone Mocha causes devastation in Myanmar, Bangladesh Ramanathan Balakrishnan, of the UN's Office of Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, said that "It's really a nightmare scenario for the cyclone to hit areas with such deep pre-existing needs." He estimates that approximately 5.4 million people were in the path of the cyclone, a majority of whom were considered vulnerable. Early priorities as r Balakrishnan include shelter, water, sanitation, and relief supplies. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

In Myanmar's Rakhine, locals say hundreds have died due to Cyclone Mocha; official figures claim only 3 dead

<p>Indian Navy, a regional power in the Bay of Bengal and northern Indian Ocean has rushed humanitarian aid to Myanmar, parts of which have seen devastation due to Cyclone Mocha. India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar took to Twitter on Thursday (May 18) to highlight the fact that India 'continues to be first responder in the region'.</p>

<p>"India extends a hand of friendship to the people of Myanmar affected by #CycloneMocha. #OperationKaruna underway. Three Indian Navy ships carrying relief material reached Yangon today. A fourth ship will be reaching tomorrow. The ships are carrying emergency food items, tents, essential medicines, water pumps, portable generators, clothes, sanitary and hygiene items, etc.," tweeted Jaishankar.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India extends a hand of friendship to the people of Myanmar affected by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneMocha?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneMocha</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OperationKaruna?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OperationKaruna</a> underway. Three Indian Navy ships carrying relief material reached Yangon today. A fourth ship will be reaching tomorrow.<br />
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The ships are carrying emergency food items, tents,… <a href="https://t.co/Ot8Ohm2jpn">pic.twitter.com/Ot8Ohm2jpn</a></p>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1659151716107919360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Hundreds feared dead</strong></h2>

<p>It is feared that devastation caused by Cyclone Mocha has left hundreds dead. The cyclone struck Myanmar over the weekend. Rescue efforts have been hampered due to damaged infrastructure. Rakhine state, the impoverished part of the country, bore the brunt of Cyclone Mocha. When it hit, the cyclone caused winds of up to 210 kmph (130 mph). These ripped roofs off homes and caused storm surge that caused flooding in Sittwe, capital of the state.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | United Nations: Cyclone Mocha caused extensive damage in Myanmar</strong></p>

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<p>Rakhine region has a large population of Rohingya Muslims, a persecuted minority several successive Myanmar governments have refused to recognise.</p>

<h2>Political chaos in the country</h2>

<p>Myanmar has been gripped by political and economic chaos since the military seized power in a coup in 2021. Since then, fighting has raged across the country between the military and pro-democracy or allied ethnic armed groups.</p>

<p>Residents of Rakhine State said at least 100 people had been killed and many more were missing and feared dead after the cyclone, adding that aid is yet to arrive. Bangladesh faced its worst power cuts in over seven months.</p>

<p>Reuters said it was not able to independently verify the death toll. It quoted news portal <em>Myanmar Now</em> which reported that hundreds were dead while aid groups said there were "significant number of deaths".</p>

<p>Myanmar's state media said three people were killed.</p>

<p>The storm was one of the worst since Cyclone Nargis swept across parts of southern Myanmar killing nearly 140,000 people in 2008.</p>

<h2><strong>Millions affected by storm</strong></h2>

<p>Reuters quoted a United Nations official who said that 5.4 million people were expected to have been in the storm's path.</p>

<p>"It's really a nightmare scenario for the cyclone to hit areas with such deep pre-existing needs," said Ramanathan Balakrishnan at the UN's Office of Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Shelter, water, sanitation, and relief items were early priorities, he said.</p>

<p>Storm damage to communications and road infrastructure and ongoing restrictions by Myanmar's military government was making it difficult to get information from and deliver aid to the affected area, non-governmental organisations said.</p>

<p>"It's difficult to obtain accurate or up to date information, which also makes responding to the crisis adequately even more difficult," said Manny Maung of Human Rights Watch.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Indian Navy, a regional power in the Bay of Bengal and northern Indian Ocean has rushed humanitarian aid to Myanmar, parts of which have seen devastation due to Cyclone Mocha.

Indian Navy, a regional power in the Bay of Bengal and northern Indian Ocean has rushed humanitarian aid to Myanmar, parts of which have seen devastation due to Cyclone Mocha. India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar took to Twitter on Thursday (May 18) to highlight the fact that India 'continues to be first responder in the region'. "India extends a hand of friendship to the people of Myanmar affected by #CycloneMocha. #OperationKaruna underway. Three Indian Navy ships carrying relief material reached Yangon today. A fourth ship will be reaching tomorrow. The ships are carrying emergency food items, tents, essential medicines, water pumps, portable generators, clothes, sanitary and hygiene items, etc.," tweeted Jaishankar. India extends a hand of friendship to the people of Myanmar affected by #CycloneMocha. #OperationKaruna underway. Three Indian Navy ships carrying relief material reached Yangon today. A fourth ship will be reaching tomorrow. The ships are carrying emergency food items, tents,… pic.twitter.com/Ot8Ohm2jpn — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 18, 2023 × Hundreds feared dead It is feared that devastation caused by Cyclone Mocha has left hundreds dead. The cyclone struck Myanmar over the weekend. Rescue efforts have been hampered due to damaged infrastructure. Rakhine state, the impoverished part of the country, bore the brunt of Cyclone Mocha. When it hit, the cyclone caused winds of up to 210 kmph (130 mph). These ripped roofs off homes and caused storm surge that caused flooding in Sittwe, capital of the state. Watch | United Nations: Cyclone Mocha caused extensive damage in Myanmar × Rakhine region has a large population of Rohingya Muslims, a persecuted minority several successive Myanmar governments have refused to recognise. Political chaos in the country Myanmar has been gripped by political and economic chaos since the military seized power in a coup in 2021. Since then, fighting has raged across the country between the military and pro-democracy or allied ethnic armed groups. Residents of Rakhine State said at least 100 people had been killed and many more were missing and feared dead after the cyclone, adding that aid is yet to arrive. Bangladesh faced its worst power cuts in over seven months. Reuters said it was not able to independently verify the death toll. It quoted news portal Myanmar Now which reported that hundreds were dead while aid groups said there were "significant number of deaths". Myanmar's state media said three people were killed. The storm was one of the worst since Cyclone Nargis swept across parts of southern Myanmar killing nearly 140,000 people in 2008. Millions affected by storm Reuters quoted a United Nations official who said that 5.4 million people were expected to have been in the storm's path. "It's really a nightmare scenario for the cyclone to hit areas with such deep pre-existing needs," said Ramanathan Balakrishnan at the UN's Office of Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Shelter, water, sanitation, and relief items were early priorities, he said. Storm damage to communications and road infrastructure and ongoing restrictions by Myanmar's military government was making it difficult to get information from and deliver aid to the affected area, non-governmental organisations said. "It's difficult to obtain accurate or up to date information, which also makes responding to the crisis adequately even more difficult," said Manny Maung of Human Rights Watch. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Cyclone Mocha: Indian Navy ships rush relief material to battered Myanmar, many feared dead

<p>At least six people have been killed in Myanmar after a powerful storm, Cyclone Mocha, battered the nation. Officials evacuated some 1,000 people trapped by seawater along western Myanmar’s coast on Monday (May 15), while the country’s military leaders have declared Rakhine state a national disaster zone after the storm hit on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The cyclone which brought strong winds and heavy rains has also injured more than 700 of about 20,000 people who were sheltering in buildings on the highlands of Sittwe township, reported the Associated Press, citing the leader of the Rakhine Youths Philanthropic Association in Sittwe, who asked not to be named.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The strife-torn Rakhine State bore the brunt of the storm with winds of up to 210 kph which ripped roofs off of the houses.</p>

<p>The cyclone is said to be one of the strongest this century to hit the Bay of Bengal as well as Myanmar and Bangladesh. So far, six deaths have been reported by Myanmar media and rescue groups.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, seawater raced into more than 10 low-lying wards along the coast after the cyclone made landfall in Rakhine state Sunday afternoon, reported AP. As per local media reports, more than 850 houses, 64 schools, 14 health facilities and seven communication towers in&nbsp;Myanmar were destroyed or damaged by the category-five storm as it pummelled the country’s coast.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/at-least-6-dead-as-super-cyclone-mocha-strikes-myanmar-592608">At least 6 dead as super cyclone Mocha strikes Myanmar</a></strong></p>

<p>The State Administration Council has issued disaster declarations for at least 17 townships in Rakhine state. The country’s military leaders have declared Rakhine state a national disaster area while heavy rains, storms, and strong winds were recorded particularly in and around the state capital Sittwe. Locals told the BBC that at least 90 per cent of the city was witnessing the destruction caused by the storm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report added that communication lines are also down after the winds knocked down poles and trees. According to Myanmar’s military information office, the storm has damaged houses and electrical transformers in Sittwe, Kyaukpyu, and Gwa townships.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said due to the “ongoing wild weather” and telecommunications hindrances, it has not yet been able to assess the disaster’s full magnitude. It added, “Early reports suggest the damage is extensive and needs among already vulnerable communities, particularly displaced people, will be high.”</p>

<p>As per Reuters, a spokesman for the Arakan Army militia force in Rakhine State said it was using its communication equipment to gather information on the impact of the storm because civilian networks had been severely disrupted.</p>

<p>Around 400,000 people were evacuated in Myanmar and Bangladesh, as authorities and aid agencies scrambled to avoid heavy casualties. In 2008, Myanmar was hit by Cyclone Nargis which killed nearly 140,000 people while tens of thousands of homes and other buildings were washed away.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
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At least six people have been killed in Myanmar after a powerful storm, Cyclone Mocha, battered the nation. Officials evacuated some 1,000 people trapped by seawater along western Myanmar’s coast on Monday (May 15), while the country’s military leaders have declared Rakhine state a national disaster zone after the storm hit on Sunday.

At least six people have been killed in Myanmar after a powerful storm, Cyclone Mocha, battered the nation. Officials evacuated some 1,000 people trapped by seawater along western Myanmar’s coast on Monday (May 15), while the country’s military leaders have declared Rakhine state a national disaster zone after the storm hit on Sunday. The cyclone which brought strong winds and heavy rains has also injured more than 700 of about 20,000 people who were sheltering in buildings on the highlands of Sittwe township, reported the Associated Press, citing the leader of the Rakhine Youths Philanthropic Association in Sittwe, who asked not to be named. The strife-torn Rakhine State bore the brunt of the storm with winds of up to 210 kph which ripped roofs off of the houses. The cyclone is said to be one of the strongest this century to hit the Bay of Bengal as well as Myanmar and Bangladesh. So far, six deaths have been reported by Myanmar media and rescue groups. Meanwhile, seawater raced into more than 10 low-lying wards along the coast after the cyclone made landfall in Rakhine state Sunday afternoon, reported AP. As per local media reports, more than 850 houses, 64 schools, 14 health facilities and seven communication towers in Myanmar were destroyed or damaged by the category-five storm as it pummelled the country’s coast. ALSO WATCH | At least 6 dead as super cyclone Mocha strikes Myanmar The State Administration Council has issued disaster declarations for at least 17 townships in Rakhine state. The country’s military leaders have declared Rakhine state a national disaster area while heavy rains, storms, and strong winds were recorded particularly in and around the state capital Sittwe. Locals told the BBC that at least 90 per cent of the city was witnessing the destruction caused by the storm. The report added that communication lines are also down after the winds knocked down poles and trees. According to Myanmar’s military information office, the storm has damaged houses and electrical transformers in Sittwe, Kyaukpyu, and Gwa townships. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said due to the “ongoing wild weather” and telecommunications hindrances, it has not yet been able to assess the disaster’s full magnitude. It added, “Early reports suggest the damage is extensive and needs among already vulnerable communities, particularly displaced people, will be high.” As per Reuters, a spokesman for the Arakan Army militia force in Rakhine State said it was using its communication equipment to gather information on the impact of the storm because civilian networks had been severely disrupted. Around 400,000 people were evacuated in Myanmar and Bangladesh, as authorities and aid agencies scrambled to avoid heavy casualties. In 2008, Myanmar was hit by Cyclone Nargis which killed nearly 140,000 people while tens of thousands of homes and other buildings were washed away. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Cyclone Mocha: At least six killed, hundreds injured after powerful storm batters Myanmar

Packing winds of over 200 kilometers per hour, cyclone Mocha slammed into Myanmar's western coast on Sunday, resulting in at least six deaths. Rohit Wellington Rajan brings you the report.

At least 6 dead as super cyclone Mocha strikes Myanmar