Death toll exceeds 400 from Hurricane Mocha

The number of people who lost their lives in Hurricane Mocha in Myanmar’s Arakan State has exceeded 400.

In the statement of the Arakan Rohingya National Organization (ARNO), it was recalled that Hurricane Mocha hit the coastal city of Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh, which hosts Rohingya refugees, and the Kyaukpyu region of Arakan state in Myanmar on May 14.

The London-based ARNO statement said at least 400 people, mostly Muslims, lost their lives in Arakan during the hurricane. In the statement, in which they stated that they were concerned about the increased loss of life, it was noted that the hurricane caused extensive destruction in Sittwe, the capital of Arakan.

The statement included information that more than 10,000 houses were damaged in Arakan.

Pointing out that the army, which took over administration with the 2021 coup in Myanmar, did not take adequate precautions against the hurricane and was insufficient in responding to the disaster, it was emphasized that people’s needs such as drinking water, medicine, shelter and the food were to the highest standard.

UNDERWATER REFUGEE CAMP

In the statement, which calls on the international community and non-governmental organizations to help with the needs, the junta administration in the country was asked to allow aid organizations to reach those in need.

Nay San Lwin, one of the founders of the Free Rohingya Coalition, said that since 2012, approximately 130,000 Rohingya Muslims have been living in refugee camps in Sittwe. Stating that most of the people who stayed in these camps were not evacuated, Nay San Lwin shared the information that one camp was also flooded.

On the other hand, it was stated in international media that the death toll could exceed 400, but no clear information could be reached due to power and internet outages. In addition to the camps, many buildings such as houses, schools, and infrastructure systems in Sittwe were also damaged by the hurricane.

Meanwhile, US Ambassador to Dhaka Peter Haas said in a statement that the US stands with the Bangladeshi and Rohingya refugees affected by the hurricane. In the statement, it was noted that the US provided $250,000 for Rohingya refugees hardest hit by the hurricane and for emergency work in parts of Bangladesh.

The United Typhoon Warning Center announced on May 14 that the speed of the hurricane had reached 217 kilometers per hour. (AA)