WFP prepares food for over 400,000 people in cyclone response

By Admin 13 May 2023

DMG Newsroom 
13 May 2023, Sittwe

The World Food Programme (WFP) said on Saturday it is preparing food and relief supplies that could help more than 400,000 people in the path of Cyclone Mocha and surrounding areas for a month.

WFP said it is gearing up for a large-scale emergency response, putting in place contingency plans, and prepositioning food and relief supplies, vehicles, and emergency equipment.

“We are preparing for the worst, while hoping for the best. Cyclone Mocha is heading to areas burdened by conflict, poverty, and weak community resilience. Many of the people most likely to be affected are already reliant on regular humanitarian assistance from WFP. They simply cannot afford another disaster,” said Sheela Matthew, WFP Myanmar deputy country director.

WFP also said its staff are preparing backup transport and telecommunication services to serve the broader humanitarian community with their preparations and potential response to the cyclone.

The national disaster management committee has issued a “red alert” for Sittwe, Pauktaw, Maungdaw, Rathedaung, Myebon, Kyaukphyu and Manaung townships.

According to a weather report released by Department of Meteorology and Hydrology at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Cyclone Mocha is around 240 nautical miles north-northwest of Cocogyun Island, around 250 nautical miles west of Haigyi Island, and 280 nautical miles south-southwest of Sittwe.

The cyclone is expected to make landfall close to Sittwe on Sunday at noon, according to the department.