Junta to prosecute those who remain in areas designated as red alert for Cyclone Mocha

By Admin 12 May 2023

DMG Newsroom
12 May 2023, Sittwe

Myanmar’s military regime announced on Friday evening that those who do not evacuate from the areas designated as “red alert” due to the danger posed by the incoming Cyclone Mocha will be prosecuted under the Natural Disaster Management Law.

U Hla Thein, spokesman and attorney-general of the Arakan State military council, wrote on his Facebook page that people from the townships that have been designated at red level must move to safer locations designated by the relevant authorities.

“People who fail to evacuate because they are worried about their belongings may be prosecuted under the Natural Disaster Management Law,” U Hla Thein wrote on Facebook.

The Arakan State military council has claimed it will also cover the expenses of evacuation for those affected, and provide them with food.

The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology has said Cyclone Mocha is likely to make landfall between Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh and Arakan State’s Kyaukphyu, with the Arakan State capital Sittwe in its forecast path.

The National Disaster Management Committee issued a warning on May 12 indicating that Sittwe, Pauktaw, Maungdaw, Rathedaung, Myebon, Kyaukphyu and Manaung townships in Arakan State had been designated as red-level areas, meaning high risk of disaster.

“People are urged to watch weather news from MRTV and MWD, and abide by the authorities’ instructions,” U Hla Thein added to his social media post.