"The wind was so strong that it blew away several houses, flattening many others, while roofs, toilets, and kitchens were torn apart.” official from Maga Yang Kachin refugee camp
Four refugee camps in the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO)-controlled area along the China border, housing war-displaced IDPs, have been severely affected by Cyclone Mocha, necessitating immediate assistance for the reconstruction of damaged structures, aid workers said.
Cyclone Mocha, which started around 9:00 pm n May 14th and lasted for approximately 2 hours, has caused significant damage to over 50 homes in four refugee camps located in the border area of Waingmaw Township, namely Maga Yang, Sha-it Yang, Hkau Shau, and Pa Jau, according to
an official from Maga Yan camp.
"The wind was so strong that it blew away several houses, flattening many others, while roofs, toilets, and kitchens were torn apart. The storm relentlessly battered the area for over 2 hours, possibly closer to 3 hours. In the case of our Maga Yang camp, the wind currents tended to circulate within the location after entering, making it difficult for the winds to dissipate. We had never experienced a storm of this magnitude before, and it caught everyone off guard, leading to widespread panic”, he told KNG.
Out of the four camps, Maga Yan sustained the most severe damage, with the strong winds destroying a minimum of 18 houses. Residences in the other camps were also impacted by the cyclone, along with the destruction of a preschool building.
While fortunately no injuries were reported, camp officials and the displaced individuals residing there talked about the challenges they face in repairing the storm-damaged houses within the affected camps.
"We are encountering numerous challenges. The Maga Yan camp where we have taken refuge is located far away from the wood and bamboo sources, which necessitates travelling three-miles. This makes it difficult for families without male members to rebuild their damaged homes.
Several residents are forced to reside under temporary roofs made of tarpaulin, while many older homes were entirely destroyed by the powerful winds. Even the houses constructed with sturdy iron and tin roofs have collapsed. So far we haven't received any assistance from any source, and we are all doing the repair work to the best of our abilities on our own”, a displaced person told KNG.
Approximately 2000 refugees from about 20 villages in Waingmaw Township have sought shelter in these four camps situated along the border area.
