The death toll caused by the destructive Cyclone Mocha in Myanmar has surpassed 140, according to the Information Team of Myanmar’s State Administration Council (SAC).
In a report released on Friday, the information team disclosed that 97 additional fatalities were recorded, including six local residents and 91 individuals from Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. The impact of Cyclone Mocha has been nothing short of catastrophic.
The cyclone left a trail of destruction in its wake, severely damaging 183,024 houses, 1,711 religious buildings, 59 monasteries, 1,397 schools, 227 hospitals or clinics, 11 telecom towers, 119 lamp posts, two airports, and 340 departmental buildings, as confirmed by the information team.
The regions and states most affected by Cyclone Mocha include Rakhine, Ayeyarwady, Bago, Yangon, Magway, Sagaing, Chin, Mandalay, Mon, Shan, and Nay Pyi Taw Council Area, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
In response to the disaster, local authorities have been working closely with emergency response teams and local rescue teams in the cyclone-devastated areas. The authorities have declared a state of emergency in 17 townships in Rakhine state and four townships in Chin state, recognizing the urgent need for assistance in these natural disaster-stricken regions.
Cyclone Mocha made landfall near Sittwe, in the western part of Myanmar’s Rakhine state, on Sunday, unleashing powerful winds reaching up to 130 mph (approximately 209 kph). It continued its destructive path across the country, leaving devastation in its wake.
The aftermath of Cyclone Mocha presents a daunting challenge for Myanmar as it mourns the loss of lives and grapples with the extensive damage caused by this natural disaster. Efforts are underway to provide aid and support to the affected communities as they strive to recover and rebuild amidst this tragedy. (Edited)