Bangladesh: Cyclone Mocha Humanitarian Response Situation Report As of 15 May 2023

Situation Update

Cyclone Mocha completed its crossing over the Cox’s Bazar coast on 14 May evening, leaving considerable damage in its path. As of 15 May morning, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department had confirmed that squally weather was now unlikely and lowered danger signals for maritime ports in the impact area.

As of 15 May, UNOSAT conducted a preliminary assessment using satellite imagery to analyze the significant damage along the coast of Saint Martin's Island in Teknaf Upazila, Bangladesh.

The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) and the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR) collected initial damage information. A total of 4 districts, 26 upazilas (sub[1]districts), 99 unions, and 429,337 Bangladeshi nationals were affected by Cyclone Mocha. The damage to houses included 2,052 fully damaged and 10,692 partially damaged.

Rohingya refugees in the camps in Teknaf and neighbouring Bangladeshi communities were most affected, with thousands of shelters and service facilities destroyed, putting families at greater risk for the upcoming monsoon season. Initial Government reports indicate no loss of life.

Humanitarian teams began post-disaster assessments on 15 May, which will continue in the coming days, to identify the intensity of the damage and needs on the ground.

The capacity to respond now and to prepare for the upcoming monsoon season is heavily strained given the current funding levels of the 2023 Appeal for the Rohingya Refugee Response in Bangladesh.

On Bhasan Char, no casualties or damage to shelters or facilities was reported after authorities announced the evacuation of around 30,000 refugees to 53 cyclone shelters as a precautionary measure. Most reportedly returned to their homes after the cyclone passed.