Numerous residents from the Ayeyarwady Delta and coastal regions have been joining evacuation groups in response to the latest reports about Cyclone Mocha, which is currently located in the Bay of Bengal.
According to a representative from Ayeyarwady Region Social Rescue, the majority of individuals residing in close proximity to the coastal areas, and regions prone to sea tide intrusion, have relocated to nearby towns and villages situated on high hills that are beyond the reach of the incoming tide. This evacuation process began on May 7.
A resident of Kan Chai village, Hainggyi Island town said, "Beyond the mere force of the wind, our deepest concern lies in the sudden surge of the cyclone tide, which threatens our very lives. The cyclone shelters in our local villages are inadequate to provide the necessary protection. As a result, we sought refuge in the town taking precautions to evade the imminent danger. Fortunately on the 13th, the cyclone veered away from our direct path, granting us a modest sense of relief."
Residents from villages located in the townships of Myaungmya, Kyone Ma Ngay, Latputta, Mawlamyinegyun, Dedaye, Pyapon, Bogale, Ngapudaw, and Pathein, which are in close proximity to the coastal areas with high sea tides, have sought refuge in monasteries and schools within the nearby towns and villages, as a precautionary measure against the cyclone.
Concerned about the potential rise in sea levels during the storm, individuals who sought shelter from the cyclone in the coastal townships of Chaung Thar, Ngwe Saung, Shwe Thaung Yan, Ngayokaung, and Maw Tin have opted to take refuge in monasteries situated within the Rakhine Yoma mountain range.
A member of the Chaung Thar Local Social Rescue Association, which provides transport and place to stay for cyclone evacuees, said, "The cyclone shelter located within the heart of the town is insufficient, and cannot provide accommodation for more than 200 people. Many people had to resort to seeking shelter in mountain monasteries."
According to a local hotelier, large hotels and guesthouses that are designed to withstand storm surges and high tides, have also made preparations to provide shelter for those in need during a sudden rise in sea levels.
The Regional Department of Marine Administration official has confirmed that ferry services are still operating from Pathein, Dedaye, Pyapon, Mawgyun, Bogale, Laputta, Myaungmya, Ngapudaw, and Hainggyi Island townships in the Ayeyarwady Region to Yangon, Ayeyarwady Delta region, and coastal villages have not yet received orders to halt their services for passenger transport as a precautionary measure against the cyclone.
On May 8, the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology of the Military Council issued an announcement stating that a low-pressure area is likely to develop in the southeastern region of the Bay of Bengal. It is projected to progress from a depression level on May 9 to a cyclone level by May 10.
Sources close to the administration indicate that while the Military Council has not yet initiated the opening of rescue aid camps, lower departmental offices have received instructions to securely store essential records, compile information records, and promptly submit them to the regional Military Council office.
