Monthly Report • June 16th 2023 • Center for Arakan Studies

# Monthly Report | May 2023

A local resident looks at broken boats in Sittwe, in Myanmar's Rakhine State, on May 15, 2023, after cyclone Mocha made a landfall. (AFP)

# Response to Cyclone Mocha in Rakhine State

Monitoring of a brief situation of Stakeholders responses, ULA government, Junta regime, and International Community in Western Myanmar in May 2023.

### About report

This report aims to provide an update and comprehensive information regarding the strike of Cyclone Mocha on the coast of Arakan on May 14, 2o23. But, as it is released as a part of the ‘Monthly Report’, the content of the work will only cover the cyclone-related information during the month of ‘May’. The report has mentioned the actions of the local CSO organizations and their roles in both pre-and post-cyclone periods, the activities of the two leading political actors in the state: such as the junta and ULA authorities and finally, the responses of the regional and international actors including the UN and other related agencies.

This short report is designed to provide flash points regarding the perspectives of the local community as well, and it is also critical in addressing the post-cyclone problems in the region. All communities in Arakan still face a tremendous amount of destruction and damage due to the strike of the Mocha Cyclone, and systematic responses are also critical to address the neediest people first. Besides, effective collaboration with the key political and social actors is a must, and it will also increase the sustainability and resilience of the local community in preparation for the upcoming other humanitarian disasters, if any. Watching and reporting the ‘abuse’ and ‘politicization’ of humanitarian aid should also be brought to attention by the relevant organizations and actors in the coming days and months.

The negative consequences of the Mocha Cyclone are still ongoing, and minimizing both direct and indirect harm to various communities is essential. As the current cyclone warned of the vulnerability of the people in the coastal area of Arakan, it should also be changed into a more positive state in which the local communities and various stakeholders are more resilient and immune to various kinds of humanitarian disasters in the future.

### Table of Content

- Part- I: Actions of Local Civil Society Organizations
- Part- II: Roles of Political Authorities
- Part- III: Regional and International Responses

### Part- I: Actions of Local Civil Society Organizations

The role of the local CSOs, which were marginalized by the coup, has become significant when it comes to coping with the implications of the Mocha Cyclone. It was indistinct when the red alerts about the high destructive power of Mocha were louder before actually encountering them. However, its coping movement to emergency relief to the impacted areas has been more substantial in the aftermath of the Mocha Cyclone.

When the possible strike of the Mocha is undeniably tremendous, and the first and foremost response of some local CSOs, such as the Rakhine Ethnic Congress and All Arakan Youth Organization Network (AAYON), has been collecting data about destruction, property damage and ground situations of the impacted areas. At the same time, some CSOs, such as Arakan CSO Network and Arakan Responders for Emergency, have launched fundraising campaigns aiming to deliver emergency assistance. Additionally, most local CSOs and CBOs attempt to reach the affected areas directly in person after the first day of post-Mocha, while INGOs have been struggling with the travel authorisation approval from the SAC.

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Rakhine State is an attractive location for foreign direct investment (FDI) due to several compelling factors. Firstly, its strategic position along the Bay of Bengal makes it a geostrategic hub for business ventures. Additionally, the region is endowed with abundant natural resources, breathtaking beaches, and fascinating cultural and historical sites, which make it a prime destination for investment in tourism, mining, and other related industries.

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Response to Cyclone Mocha in Rakhine State

This report aims to provide an update and comprehensive information regarding the strike of Cyclone Mocha on the coast of Arakan on May 14, 2o23. But, as it is released as a part of the ‘Monthly Report’, the content of the work will only cover the cyclone-related information during the month of ‘May’.

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