Myanmar: Cyclone Mora to affect the west May 29-June 1

Event

The tropical depression located over the Bay of Bengal intensified into Cyclone Mora on Monday, May 29, and is expected to make landfall in Bangladesh’s Chittagong division on Tuesday afternoon. Myanmar’s coastal areas have been under an “orange” cyclone alert (the second-highest level) since Sunday, May 28, meaning the storm is expected to make landfall and bring hazardous weather conditions.

Heavy rain and subsequent flooding and landslides are possible in the west of the country, particularly in Chin and Rakhine states, with thunderstorms and showers expected in Nay Pyi Taw, Sagaing region, Mandalay region, Magway region, Bago region, Yangon region, Ayeyarwaddy region, Tanintharyi region, Kachin state, Shan state, Rakhine state, Kayin state, and Mon state through Thursday, June 1.

Context

Myanmar’s southwest monsoon season runs from May/June through October.

Advice

Individuals present in affected regions are advised to follow all instructions as issued by local authorities. Be prepared to leave immediately if an evacuation order is given. Monitor any relevant developments of the situation via local media, the authorities, and reliable weather reporting outlets. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous – 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult – and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs disposed of.