Statement by Arakan Civil Society Organizations Regarding the Profound Consequences of Cyclone Mocha on the People of Arakan

1. Cyclone Mocha, the third cyclone classified as a Category 5 cyclone according to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale (SSHWS), had a significant impact upon landfall near Sittwe on May 14, 2023. It has emerged as one of the most catastrophic cyclones in history of Myanmar following the destructive Cyclone Nagis of 2008.
2. The townships that have encountered the greatest impact from Cyclone Mocha encompass Sittwe, Rathedaung, Ponnakyun, Kyauk Taw, Pauk Taw, Mrauk U, Minbya, and Myebon, affecting over one million people. The cyclone’s devastation has brought about substantial loss of life, residences, and means of sustenance. The affected population presently confronts dire impoverishment and is urgently in need of shelter, potable water, and sustenance. Any delay in delivering emergency assistance may precipitate profound social and health crises within the region.
3. As Arakan Civil Society Organizations, we have been actively engaged in providing immediate support to the communities affected by the aftermath of Cyclone Mocha. We kindly appeal to the individuals to join hands with us in our endeavors for emergency response and relief initiatives, as we collectively strive to surmount the challenges at hand. The requirements within the affected regions are of immense magnitude, and the assistance provided solely by civil society organizations and individual contributors will prove inadequate. Hence, we humbly request the concerted efforts of all stakeholders to address the pressing needs of the affected populace.
4. Notwithstanding the endeavors made by esteemed organizations such as the World Food Programme (WFP), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and various other international entities to provide aid to the people affected by the cyclone, there remain multiple areas that have endured significant impact and are yet to receive any form of assistance, as per ground reports.
5. Consequently, we sincerely implore international organizations, particularly UN agencies, to exert utmost endeavors in swiftly delivering essential emergency aid to the distressed populace of Arakan, who find themselves in dire circumstances and are in urgent need of assistance.
6. We appeal to international organizations to foster enhanced coordination, collaboration, and cooperative implementation with civil society organizations in devising programs, allocating budgets, and determining areas of assistance. This approach aims to ensure the efficient utilization of resources, prevent any duplication or inadequacies in aid, and maximize the impact of collective efforts.
7. During this critical period that necessitates urgent international assistance, we cordially request that international donor organizations prioritize flexibility and responsiveness to the utmost extent within their procedures, with the aim of minimizing any potential delays arising from compliance-related matters.
8. Notwithstanding the ongoing emergency relief initiatives conducted by pertinent authorities in the cyclone-affected areas, reports have indicated delays in promptly reaching the affected population. Consequently, we strongly urge all authorities to expedite their emergency support endeavors and refrain from impeding or halting the relief initiatives conducted by civil society organizations.
9. During these challenging times in Arakan subsequent to CycloneMocha, we strongly urge all business owners to abstain from engaging in the practice of selling goods at exorbitantly high prices. Instead, we implore them to extend their cooperation by offering goods at fair and reasonable prices.

 Arakan Civil Society Organizations

+959799770466| arakancsos@gmail.com

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