Warning about Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm (AMPHAN)
19 May 2020 - Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar
The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology released the report (14/2020) issued on 18 May afternoon and the Emergency Management Centre of the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement also published its finding on this weather situation. The reports has forecasted that the Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm (AMPHAN) over the West-Central Bay and adjoining south Bay of Bengal is expected to cross India, West Bengal and coastal areas of Bangladesh, without heading to Myanmar at present.
Although the AMPHAN is not forecasted to move to Myanmar, scattered to fairly rain falls are possible across the country from 18 to 21 May. It is also expected that the wind speeds may vary from 30 to 35 mph in Sagaing, Monywa, Shwebo, YeU, Kanbalu townships in lower part of Sagaing Region, and in Pakokku, Saw, Gangaw, Pauk, Htilin, Kyaukhtu, Chauk, Myaing and Yesagyo townships in upper part of Magway; from 40 to 45 mph in Sittway, Minbya, MraukU, Yathedaung, Kyauktaw, Buthidaung and Maungtaw townships of Rakine Region and in Phalam and Tiddim townships of Chin State: from 50 to 60 mph in Paletwa, Matupi and Hakka townships in Chin State.
The Cyclone Giri on 19 October 2010 that crossed coastal areas of Rakhine state caused flood and landslides, leaving 35 deaths and 10 loss in Rakine State, and strong wind sand creek water caused 9 deaths and 3 losses in Mandalay and Magway regions.
The Cyclone 02B that passed between Maungtaw of Myanmar and Chittagong of Bangladesh on 19 October 2011 caused heavy rains in inland areas of Magway Region, Chin State and Sagaing Region, while flash floods occurred in Yaw Creek, Shwe Creek and other sand creeks in Pakokku, Pauk, Seikphyu and Myaing townships. The sudden flash occurred at 4 am in early morning caused 46 deaths and 115 losses who were temporarily living on their cultivated lands beside sand creeks.
Not because of cyclones, but because of floods in August 2018, a landslide caused by heavy rain in a short time at Malatmountain in Paung Township of Mon State left 73 deaths and 63 persons were injured.
Although it is expected not to require to take shelters at temporary shelters due to the Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm (AMPHAN), people in both coastal and inland areas need to take precautions against the related heavy rains, landslides and mountain rains and flash floods.
The Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement have issued the following suggestions:
- Make the houses and buildings resist to strong winds and rains. Clear trees and tree-branches that can break down onto the houses.
- During heavy winds and rains, trees, branches, power posts and telephone posts might fall down, injuries could be caused by iron roof sheets and other materials taken by strong winds, and it is required not to go outside buildings to avoid possible thunderbolts. Don't use electrical items.
- The wind speed from 50 to 60 mph can destroy small huts and remove the roofs of buildings, and that remove from these buildings if it not sure resistance of these buildings.
- Heavy rains can cause flash flood and have no enough time to flee from it, and that it is necessary to have more safely precautions in night times.
- Those living near rivers and creeks, mountain creeks, base of the mountains and mountain slopes may experience landslides, and that they need to be moved to other safe places, if necessary.
- Motorcars, motorbikes, cattle carts or people should not pass through mountain creeks during the heavy rains. Flash floods can pose dangers.
- In going outside just after heavy winds or rains, stay away from power lines and posts as much as possible. Be aware of snakes and other poisonous insects. Don't stay near slopes of mountains, creeks, rivers and mountain creeks.
- Abide by the COVID-19 directives when taking shelters at nearby houses and buildings resistible to strong winds.
Information and assistance are available at the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement through the hotline numbers: 067 3404666 and 067 3404777.
Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement
(Translated by Aung Khin)
