Cyclone Mocha: Fears for children mount as extent of devastation remains unclear

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (May 17, 2023)—One of the strongest storms to hit Myanmar in decades has left aid agencies battling flooding and blocked roads to provide life-saving aid to affected communities with hundreds of children feared missing or displaced,  Save the Children said today. 

Almost 5.4 million people across Rakhine state and the northwest are estimated to have been in the path of Cyclone Mocha, which devastated homes, schools and vital infrastructure.

Meanwhile, neighboring Bangladesh also sustained damage, though not as severe, with maternal care continuing in Cox’s Bazar refugee camp. During the storm, four healthy babies were born at the Save the Children Primary Health Care Center, with the maternity team receiving mothers in labor from other camps. 

Initial reports indicate numerous casualties, though the exact numbers cannot be verified due to flooding, blocked roads, and downed communications. In addition, reports suggest that the most severe damage has been done to the wooden houses in internally-displaced person camps in coastal areas like Pauktaw, and that many displaced families living there have lost all their belongings.     

Hassan Noor, Asia Regional Director at Save the Children, said:   

“We are still in the early stages of assessing the devastation caused by Cyclone Mocha. However, we fear hundreds have lost their lives, and many communities in low-lying areas and camps have borne the brunt of the cyclone.

“Our greatest concern is the long-term impact of the cyclone on children; many will have lost their homes or been separated from their parents. In addition, some may be unable to return to school because many schools may be badly damaged.”     

Save the Children works in Rakhine and other areas and is supporting families affected by the cyclone with food, child protection, health services, education, and access to clean water and sanitation.   

Save the Children has been working in Myanmar since 1995, providing lifesaving healthcare, food and nutrition, education, and child protection programs.  

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