Source: World Food Programme Asia Pacific on Twitter
“Afflicted city, lashed by storms and not comforted,
I will rebuild you with stones of turquoise,
your foundations with lapis lazuli.”
Isaiah 54:11
Cyclone Mocha crossed the coast between Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh and Sittwe, Myanmar in the afternoon of Sunday 14th May 2023. With winds estimated at around 150 mph, Cyclone Mocha is one of the strongest cyclones ever recorded in Myanmar. Storms like Cyclone Mocha are becoming more regular and intense as a result of the climate crisis.
News reports have recorded that the cyclone crossed the coast near Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, the location of the world's largest refugee camp. The UN refugee agency have said that preparations are under way for a partial evacuation of the camp, if needed.
Majority of the devastation, however, has hit Myanmar. According to local news agencies, Rakhine state is estimated to be worst impacted as it bore the brunt of the cyclone, owing to its vulnerable geographic location as a coastal city. An estimated 90% of the city of Sittwe (capital of Rakhine state) has been destroyed, including buildings and infrastructure such as electricity and telecommunication. Due to this communication breakdown, the magnitude of the destruction of buildings and livestock is still unknown, but early reports paint a bleak picture.
The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, Naypyitaw, Myanmar, continues to issue warnings about the after-cyclone effects throughout the country such as high tide, heavy rain, flood and landslides.
USPG has been in touch with its partner, the Church of the Province of Myanmar (CPM), and according to them, the immediate priorities are:
[1] Information gathering and sharing
[2] Provision of short-term relief including WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene), food, medicine and shelter
[3] Resource mobilisation for urgent humanitarian needs.
As part of the process of communicating with their local churches, CPM is in touch with individuals in Pathein Diocese who are from areas that were severely hit by Cyclone Nargis in 2008. The CPM emergency response committee also intends to cooperate with related groups of people for the cyclone relief work such as national/local authorities, national/local council of churches’ networks and the other humanitarian aids groups.
USPG have responded by releasing emergency funds to the CPM. We remain in communication with our partners in the area, to offer prayerful support and solidarity.
Regional Manager for Asia and the Middle East, Rev’d Davidson Solanki, urges everyone to come alongside the people of Myanmar in prayer:
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Pray ardently for affected people; not only for the damages to their houses but also for their mental wellbeing.
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Pray that help may come quickly and smoothly in a tricky political environment.
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Pray powerfully knowing that we follow a God who comforts those who mourn.
Lord,
We pray for the people of Myanmar and Bangladesh in the wake of Cyclone Mocha.
For the lost lives and all who grieve.
For all whose homes have been damaged and destroyed.
For people who have had to flee.
We mourn with those who mourn.
May You surround them with your love and compassion.
We pray for recovery and rebuilding.
For the smooth running of buildings, homes, and infrastructure restoration.
Help communities come together to support one another.
May you surround them with your wisdom and strength
And we pray Lord for all who continue to raise awareness and advocate about the Climate Crisis.
May we all work together to protect our environment and the gift of your creation
Amen
Find out more here: OCHA Myanmar: Cyclone Mocha - Flash Update #3 (as of 14 May 2023)
USPG's article is based on an update received from the Church of the Province of Myanmar.