Exactly a year ago on May 14, Cyclone Mocha wreaked havoc as it landed in Sittwe
Township, Rakhine State. As armed conflicts ignited several months after the cyclone's impact, the people of Rakhine State, continue to endure the legacy of the 137mph strength of the cyclone, and their hardships multiplied by military blockades and war.
On May 14, 2023, Sittwe was battered by Cyclone Mocha, unleashing winds reaching 137 mph. The gigantic cyclone claimed the lives of 146 people and destroyed 216,681 homes across Rakhine State.The United League of Arakan/ Arakha Army (ULA/AA) approximated that over 1 million residents bore the brunt of the cyclone's impact, with estimated losses soaring as high as $1.5 billion.
On November 13, conflict reignited in Rakhine State, compounding the ongoing struggle to recover from the cyclone's devastation. Its residents, already grappling with the aftermath of the natural disaster and unable to rebuild their homes, now find themselves thrust into the turmoil of war, exacerbating their suffering twofold as they are forced into the plight of IDPs (war refugees)
Daw Moe Moe, a war refugee from Pauktaw Township, highlighted the troubles faced by the people of Rakhine State since the resurgence of conflict. The Junta's blockade of land routes and waterways has severely hindered access to essential resources, including livelihood opportunities and healthcare services.
U Zaw Zaw Tun, Director of Action for Community Resilience Organization (ACRO), noted that the majority of the Rakhine people impacted by Cyclone Mocha received minimal support from the international aid and civil organizations.”
The Junta failed to implement any effective plans to repair the damage caused by Cyclone Mocha, with only a few essential government buildings and infrastructure receiving attention for repairs.
The NGO director added “The public was very unhappy with how the Junta handled aid. Therefore, more people started believing in the resistance movement. The public accepted and welcomed the armed struggle against the Junta. They know these battles are needed, so they are ready to face whatever problems come because of the clashes.” .
Daw Moe Moe, a war refugee from Pauktaw Township, noted that since the warfare resumed the Junta's blockade of both land routes and waterways has led to widespread hardships, encompassing livelihood and healthcare, for the local populace.
"Most people lost their jobs, which was really stressful for everyone. On top of that, the prices of things went way up. Even if you don't count basic cooking items like oil, onion, pepper and salt, a small family now needs to spend at least 10,000 MMK every day just on food. Because they cannot afford to fix their houses, many people have to keep living in their damaged homes. And we have not gotten any aid yet”, she said.
Daw Ma Cho, a Muslim resident of Bumay village in Sittwe Township, shared how her family endured immense hardship from both the ongoing war and the lingering aftermath of the cyclone. She recounted the devastation of losing her home to the storm and expressed the added burden of the soaring price of rice, which now stands at 200,000 MMK per bag, placing significant strain on her, as a widow, and her children.
U Khaing Kaung San, Director of the Wan Lark Foundation, emphasized that the sufferings and hardships confronting the Rakhine people are too overwhelming to overcome without international support. He stressed the crucial role of the United Nations (UN) and other international organizations in providing comprehensive assistance to address this kind of situation.
"To get Rakhine State back on its feet, we really need help from the international community.
That means entities like the UN need to pay attention to both the aftermath of the cyclone and the fighting happening now. They should also try to accumulate more funds and support local groups that are helping out”, he suggested.
According to ULA/AA data, Cyclone Mocha wiped out 1,507 religious structures, 971 schools, and 252 health facilities, and also claimed the lives of 15,388 cattle and other livestock animals.
According to the Junta's statement, Cyclone Mocha resulted in the deaths of 148 people, injuries to 62 individuals, and impacted 11.5 million people in Rakhine State, with 241,071 buildings and a total of 716 vessels and vehicles destroyed, along with 27,617 livestock casualties, totaling damages valued at 4.8986 billion MMK.
