Natural Disaster Alert: Cyclone Mocha – May 14, 2023

U.S. Embassy in Myanmar

Natural Disaster Alert – May 14, 2023

UPDATE: Cyclone Mocha has strengthened, and meteorologists expect it to make landfall this afternoon on the Rakhine coast, May 14, 2023, at 161 mph. This is the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane. Weather centers forecast Cyclone Mocha will be at full cyclone strength when it reaches Sagaing. They expect it to then make its way to Chin State, Magway, and Kachin State.

Under cyclonic conditions, please be aware of strong winds, heavy rains, flash floods, and landslides in the hilly areas and near small rivers. 

Actions to Take: 

Monitor the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology website and local and social media news for updates.
Exercise extreme caution if you live within the affected areas.
Ensure you have food and necessary supplies to last seven days.
Secure your homes (consider covering windows, anchor loose outdoor objects, etc).

Charge all cell phones and battery packs.
Ensure travel documents are valid and easily accessible in the event of immediate or emergency travel.
Review your personal safety and security plans and always have a contingency plan in place that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
Please see information on What the Department of State Can and Can’t Do in a Crisis.

For Assistance:

U.S. Embassy Rangoon

(+95) (1) 753-6509

Embassy website

ACSRangoon@state.gov 

Department of State – Consular Affairs

888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444

Burma Country Information

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates. 