Cyclone Mocha Damages Structures in Bangladesh Refugee Camp

A United Nations official said strong winds from powerful Cyclone Mocha on Sunday, May 14, were “damaging facilities” at what is considered to be the world’s largest refugee camp.

Footage by Rohingya volunteers shows winds whipping up tarps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, where the storm posed a threat to nearly a million refugees, who were evacuated preemptively, according to reports. The storm was originally expected to hit Cox’s Bazar head-on, but changed course early on Sunday.

The cyclone made landfall in Sittwe in neighboring Myanmar at around 1:30 pm local time, Myanmar Now reported.

International Organization for Migration Chief of Mission in Bangladesh, Abdusattor Esoev, said the storm was “milder than expected” in the refugee camp.

At least three people were reported dead in Myanmar. Credit: Rohingya Refugee Volunteers via Storyful