FCDO Update Advice Following Cyclone Mocha

A warning has been released by the Foreign Office today in response to the cyclonic storm known as Cyclone Mocha that made landfall yesterday, Sunday the 14th of May, in Myanmar and Bangladesh. 

The warning went out to travellers who are currently in Myanmar and Bangladesh, advising them about the “very severe” Cyclone Mocha and what can be expected in the near future. Travellers are advised not to move around the countries unnecessarily due to the severity of the cyclone.  

Cyclone Mocha was reported as having battered Myanmar’s Sittwe region in the afternoon on Sunday the 14th of May, with new projections suggesting that the cyclone will continue a path north-east, heading through Chin State, Magway Region, Sagaing Region, and Kachin State. 

The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) stated that the cyclone is already “intensifying rapidly” in the Bay of Bengal while continuing to pose some threat to the coasts of Bangladesh and Myanmar.  

Previously, estimated around 1,000 people were trapped by seawater that was 3.6 meters deep along the western coast of Myanmar, and these people have now been successfully evacuated.  

The WMO released reports that forecast winds between 180 and 190 kmph alongside heavy rainfall that may risk floods, flash floods, and landslides during the course of Cyclone Mocha. The winds predicted are also expected to do significant damage to buildings, infrastructure, roads, and airports which could affect travellers already in the countries.  

The warning released by the FCDO on the Foreign Travel Advice page advised travellers to be prepared for power and water supply interruptions with the same interruptions to communications. “The situation could deteriorate significantly, and our ability to provide assistance may be limited,” said a spokesperson for the FCDO. 

“You should ensure you have your own contingency plans in place and avoid unnecessary movement around the country. Transport routes are likely to be affected, including airports.” 

So, if you’re looking forward to your next holiday, don’t wait, book now with a travel business registered with PTS for 100% financial protection through trust. Or, if you’d like assistance choosing one of the lovely PTS members to book with, you can contact PTS directly at 0207 190 9988 or check us out on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. 

And if you’d like to learn more about your financial protection with PTS or how the Package Travel Regulations protect your holiday booking, check out our pages and Travel Advice.