The Devastation of Cyclone Mocha

The Devastation of Cyclone Mocha

Sustainability Awakening

Cyclone Mocha, the equivalent of a category-five hurricane, tore through Myanmar and Bangladesh, causing destruction and fatalities.

In Myanmar, up to 90% of Sittwe, the capital city of Rakhine state, was destroyed, and camps for displaced Rohingya were also ripped apart.

Authorities have declared Rakhine state a natural disaster area, and the Myanmar Red Cross Society is preparing for a major emergency response.

In Bangladesh, authorities evacuated 750,000 people ahead of the storm, and the streets of Cox's Bazar emptied as the cyclone intensified.

Although the cyclone caused no major damage in Bangladesh, landslides and floods continue to hit the country.

People living in the world's largest refugee camp in Bangladesh were especially vulnerable, as they are not allowed to leave the camps or build permanent structures.

Storm surges of up to four meters could swamp villages in low-lying areas, and people living on the riverbanks were fearful their homes may be submerged.

Hundreds of people crammed into a school which had been turned into a temporary cyclone shelter, bringing livestock and mats to sleep on.

Last year's cyclone, Sitrang, destroyed many homes, forcing people to spend what little money they had on repairs.

Cyclone Mocha highlights the need for disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure as the world grapples with climate change.

Despite the devastation caused by Cyclone Mocha, stories of survival and resilience emerge from those who weathered the storm in Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Cyclone Mocha may have caused destruction and fatalities, but the stories of survival and resilience from those who weathered the storm in Myanmar and Bangladesh are a testament to the human spirit.

As we face the challenges of climate change, it is more important than ever to prioritize disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure to protect those most vulnerable to the impacts of extreme weather events.

Sustainability Awakening sends its thoughts and prayers, and will be contributing towards rehabilitation efforts generiously.

Read more about this cyclone, here.