A large number of residents of Rakhine State, Myanmar, have evacuated their homes in preparation for Cyclone Mocha's impact on the state near Sittwe on Sunday afternoon.
On Sunday morning, Cyclone Mocha's outer band reached the coast of Rakhine State, Myanmar. By Sunday afternoon, the storm's centre is forecast to make landfall close to Sittwe township, which is on the highest weather alert, according to Myanmar's Department of Meteorology and Hydrology.
The military junta in Myanmar, along with the civilian National Unity Government, has issued red-level disaster warnings for several townships, including Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, Maungdaw, Rathedaung, Myebon, Pauktaw and Munaung, reports The Irrawaddy.
The Arakan Army (AA), through its spokesperson Khaing Thu Kha, has undertaken the evacuation of approximately 102,000 Rakhine residents since Wednesday, providing them with healthcare and food. Recognizing the limitations of their own resources, the AA has appealed to international organizations for assistance in the post-storm period.
Writer Wai Hin Aung, who is involved in the evacuation process, said approximately 15,000 individuals from Sittwe and neighbouring villages had sought refuge in monasteries located on a hill within the town.
Wai Hin Aung emphasized the urgent requirements for food, medicine and sanitary facilities, expressing concern about the lack of contact from international organizations thus far.
In coastal Rathedaung Township, around 2,000 villagers have found shelter in monasteries and schools in Sayti Pyin village, confirmed volunteer U Aye Aung.
The warning from the Arakan Army prompted residents to relocate, and the village has become a safe haven due to its inland location.
Additionally, a resident of Pauktaw Township mentioned that the AA had been utilizing boats to evacuate elderly and child occupants while also distributing food supplies.
According to the United Nations, more than 6 million people need humanitarian assistance in the storm's path in Myanmar alone.
The World Food Programme said it was preparing food and relief supplies that could help more than 400,000 people in Rakhine State and surrounding areas for a month.
Another storm in 2008, Cyclone Nargis, killed more than 100,000 people after hitting southern Myanmar.
