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HomeBreakingCyclone Mocha death toll increases; UK donates to recovery efforts

Cyclone Mocha death toll increases; UK donates to recovery efforts

FROM THE DVB NEWSROOM

Cyclone Mocha death toll increases

Over 162 bodies have been recovered – killed during Cyclone Mocha – in four townships of Rakhine State, regime media reports. The death toll includes 119 Rohingya in Sittwe Township, 20 Rohingya in Rathedaung Township, and 23 Rakhine in other townships. There has been no death toll released in neighboring Chin State, Magway or Sagaing regions. Aid organizations report that they have not been allowed to visit Rakhine State to assist in post-Cyclone Mocha relief efforts.

UK donates to recovery efforts

The U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) announced that it will provide £2 million GBP ($2.48 million USD) to support 175,000 people impacted by Cyclone Mocha. The donation will be used to provide clean water and shelter to the victims of the storm. British officials had already redirected £650,000 ($805,800 USD) to local and international partners to support relief efforts. “By partnering with organisations already on the ground in northwest Myanmar, we will be able to quickly deliver the lifesaving support that survivors need,” stated the FCDO.

A musical performance in Melbourne to fundraise for the Spring Revolution.

Australians fundraise for Cyclone Mocha victims

Burmese-Australians sold food to raise funds for victims of Cyclone Mocha in Brisbane on May 20 and Melbourne on May 21. “People are currently suffering catastrophically as a result of the flood disaster. In addition to the civil war, people now face other difficulties in their livelihood caused by the disaster,” said Daw Nyo Nyo, a Queensland resident who participated in the event. 

US anti-China protests

Burmese-Americans held a demonstration in front of the Chinese embassy in Washington, DC on May 19. “This time we will decisively and collaboratively oppose China,” said Ko Yin Aye, spokesperson for Anti-Dictatorship in Burma – DC Metro Area. Anti-China protests are being planned in the seven U.S. cities where Chinese consular offices are located. Burmese expatriates in Europe and Asia are planning similar protests. 

News by Region

BAGO—A mother of a prisoner who escaped from Taungoo Prison and another man were arrested following a daring prison break on May 18. Regime media reported that 10 prisoners escaped. “They are chasing the families,” a Taungoo resident told DVB. A man-hunt is underway. The People’s Defense Force (PDF) claims the escaped prisoners are with them.

KARENNI—A school housing 250 children who are Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in western Demoso Township is in need of textbooks, teaching materials, and water. The IDP school is teaching primary and secondary students. Teachers said that classrooms are overcrowded with nearly 250 students and 13 teachers.

MAGWAY—The Ministry of Electric Power Office in Pakokku District has installed an electric generator to allow locals to charge their devices. Magway Region was impacted by Cyclone Mocha. Electricity has not yet resumed in Pakokku. 

MANDALAY—One person was killed and two were injured after an explosion in Chan Mya Tharsi Township on May 19. Locals said the blast occurred at the home of a Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) official. “Their target might be the administrator but he was not at home at that time. His mother was killed and his sister and brother-in-law were injured when they were sitting inside the compound of the house,” a local said. Pro-military forces blamed the attack on the PDF.

MON—A road in Kyaikto Township was damaged by heavy machinery on May 19. “The locals were using the road for transportation, social economy, and health, but now they will face trouble,” a local told DVB. The Burma Army has damaged roads in townships across the country where they have faced resistance forces.

YANGON—Regime media reported the arrests of 10 people allegedly responsible for the murder of Sai Kyaw Thu, the Union Election Commission (UEC) Deputy Director-General, on May 20. Sai Kyaw Thu was killed in Yangon’s Thingangyun Township on April 22. The 10 were reportedly arrested in several Yangon townships. 

DVB reports that Rakhine State residents are facing a shortage of clean drinking water and electricity. DVB English is on-demand via Facebook, Twitter, TikTok & Instagram. Subscribe on YouTube & Substack.

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