Islamic Relief is preparing to respond as Cyclone Mocha gathers strength in the Bay of Bengal ahead of its anticipated landfall this weekend.
The tropical cyclone is expected to hit western Myanmar, and Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar district on Sunday (14 May). It is not yet clear how severe the impact will be, however both Bangladesh and Myanmar are highly vulnerable to disasters and extreme weather events.
The Government of Bangladesh has issued a Signal 4 alert, warning of a ‘very severe cyclone’, while the country’s Meteorological Department has issued a warning for coastal districts including Chittagong, Mongla, Payra, Khulna and Cox’s Bazar.
In Myanmar, Mocha is expected to make landfall in Rakhine State, a low-lying area prone to flooding near the border with Bangladesh.
Local authorities have advised residents in low-lying and coastal areas of Sittwe, Pauktaw, Myebon, Maungdaw and Buthidaung to evacuate. Heavy rain and strong winds are expected in Rakhine and further inland to the northwest. All flights have been cancelled until 15 May.
Concerns for refugees and displaced people
There is grave concern for Rohingya communities in both countries. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya are housed in refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, many of whom already have inadequate shelter due to a devastating fire earlier this year.
It is feared that strong winds, heavy rain, potential mudslides and flash flooding could wash away shelters and affect essential services in the camps.
More than 140,000 Rohingya are also internally displaced within Myanmar, including within the cyclone’s expected path.
Islamic Relief’s response
Islamic Relief has allocated funds to prepare our immediate response and will continually assess the situation should we need to expand our efforts.
We have strong working relationships with numerous networks and agencies within Cox’s Bazar and plan to launch an immediate response. This will involve providing hot meals and emergency shelter to those affected by the cyclone.
Islamic Relief is also in contact with local partners and relevant government departments in Myanmar to coordinate a response. Our plan for an immediate response to the cyclone includes providing dry food and other essential items, particularly shelter to those affected.
We will continually assess the situation in both Bangladesh and Myanmar and prepare to expand our response as needed.
Islamic Relief stands ready to respond to emergencies and support communities in their time of greatest need. Please help us to continue this life-saving work. Donate to our Global Emergencies Fund now.