Cyclone Mora

{{Storm path|Mora 2017 track.png}}

In late May 2017, an area of convection began to organize in the Bay of Bengal. Favorable conditions, characterized by low wind shear and warm sea surface temperatures, allowed for the development of rainbands and the beginnings of circulation on May 27.{{cite web|title=Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Indian Ocean/26 1800Z-27 1800Z May 2017|url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/ABIO10-PGTW_201705261800.htm |author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|location=Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, United States|access-date=May 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170527171531/http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/ABIO10-PGTW_201705261800.htm|archive-date=May 27, 2017|date=May 26, 2017}}{{cite web |title=Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Indian Ocean/27 0200Z-28 1800Z May 2017 |url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/ABIO10-PGTW_201705270200.htm|author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|location=Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, United States|access-date=May 27, 2017 |archive-date=May 27, 2017|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170527010101/http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/ABIO10%2DPGTW_201705270200.htm|date=May 27, 2017}}{{cite web|title=Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Indian Ocean/Reissued/27 1500Z-28 1800Z May 2017|url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/ABIO10-PGTW_201705271500.htm|author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|location=Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, United States|access-date=May 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170527172912/http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/ABIO10-PGTW_201705271500.htm|archive-date=May 27, 2017|date=May 27, 2017}} That same day, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) noted that there was a high likelihood that the low-pressure area would organize into a tropical depression.{{cite web|title=Tropical Weather Outlook 27 May 2017 |url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/RSMC_201705270700.pdf|publisher=India Meteorological Department|access-date=May 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170527173037/http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/RSMC_201705270700.pdf|archive-date=May 27, 2017 |location=New Delhi, Delhi, India|date=May 27, 2017}} The Joint Typhoon Warning Center also issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert on May 27, citing the persistent thunderstorm activity and the consolidating center of circulation.{{cite web|author1=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|title=Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert 27/1430|url=http://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/wt/wtio21.pgtw..txt|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=May 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170527173314/http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO21-PGTW_201705271430.htm|archive-date=May 27, 2017|location=Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, United States|date=May 27, 2017}} The Joint Typhoon Warning Center classified the disturbance as a tropical cyclone when the storm continued to intensify. The storm's motion was influenced primarily by a nearby subtropical ridge, forcing the system to take a north-northeasterly track.{{cite web |author1=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|title=Tropical Cyclone 02B (Two) Warning NR 001 |url=http://tgftp.nws.noaa.gov/data/raw/wt/wtio31.pgtw..txt |publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|access-date=May 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170527223005/http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTIO31-PGTW_201705272100.htm |archive-date=May 27, 2017|location=Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, United States|date=May 27, 2017}}

Image:Mora 2017-05-29 0754Z.jpg on May 29]]

Cloud tops over southeastern Bangladesh exceeded 15.3 km (9.5 miles), and over the Bay of Bengal cloud tops reached almost 16 km (9.9 miles).{{cite web|title=Cyclonic Storm 'Mora' over Bay of Bengal (28-31 May 2017) : A Report|url=http://www.rsmcnewdelhi.imd.gov.in/images/pdf/publications/preliminary-report/mora.pdf|date=May 30, 2017}} Shortly before landfall, the storm reached its peak intensity as a severe cyclonic storm with winds of {{convert|70|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}} and a minimum central pressure of 978 hPa (mbar). The JTWC noted that the storm reached category 1 hurricane strength with winds of {{convert|75|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}}. Animated enhanced infrared satellite imagery depicted improved consolidation with an eye feature on the morning of May 30.

With Mora's relatively rapid intensification, Bangladeshi authorities were hard pressed to carry out evacuations in preparation for the storm. Maritime weather alerts were issued for the Bangladeshi ports of Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra, under the anticipation of a {{convert|4|to|5|ft|m|abbr=on|order=flip}} storm surge.{{cite news|title=Cyclone 'Mora' starts crossing Cox's Bazar-Chittagong coast|url=http://www.thedailystar.net/country/cyclone-mora-200-houses-damaged-coxs-bazar-1412983|access-date=May 29, 2017|newspaper=The Daily Star|date=May 29, 2017}} All flights out of Shah Amanat International Airport were cancelled.{{cite news|title=Chittagong airport suspends flights as Cyclone Mora nears|url=http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2017/05/29/chittagong-airport-suspends-flights-as-cyclone-mora-nears|access-date=May 29, 2017|agency=BBD News|date=May 29, 2017}} Authorities attempted to evacuate 1 million people prior to landfall,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-40087344|title=Cyclone Mora: Bangladesh tries to evacuate one million|access-date=May 29, 2017|agency=British Broadcasting Company|date=May 29, 2017}} however by May 29, only 300,000 had done so.{{cite news|first1=Farid|last1=Ahmed |first2=Euan|last2=McKirdy|title=300,000 evacuated as cyclone makes landfall in Bangladesh|url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/29/asia/bangladesh-cyclone-mora/|access-date=May 29, 2017|agency=CNN|date=May 29, 2017}} Red Crescent volunteers and medical units were on alert as government offices in coastal zones closed. A meteorological office issued a warning for Chittagong and Cox's Bazar as the cyclonic storm Mora headed towards Bangladesh.{{cite web|title=Cyclone Mora: 'Great Danger' Signal 10 at Ctg, Cox's Bazar ports |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/country/cyclone-mora-chittagong-coastal-people-asked-move-shelters-bangladesh-1412551|date=May 30, 2017}}

The India Meteorological Department issued Tropical cyclone warnings and watches for the Indian states of Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur, West Bengal and Tripura. The Mizoram government expected that the cyclone could cause landslides and floods, so warnings were issued which advised residents to take precautions and preventive measures. The Indian Navy's Eastern fleet had was put on high alert to extend aid into Bangladesh.{{cite news|title=Mizoram Government Issues Warning Ahead Of Cyclone Mora|url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/mizoram-government-issues-warning-ahead-of-cyclone-mora-1705294|access-date=May 29, 2017|newspaper=NDTV|date=May 29, 2017}}

The Myanmar Red Cross Society placed alerts in Chin, Rakhine, Magway, and Sagaing, and activated emergency response teams. Early warning messages were sent to at risk communities, and volunteers were ready to respond and provide aid supplies. Emergency response teams, as well as emergency volunteers from the community also assisted in the evacuation of those affected. The MRCS Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) was initiated on May 29, following the Standard Operating Procedures for MRCS disaster response. On May 30, the Emergency Task Force had its first meeting to plan for the response.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ifrc.org/docs/Appeals/17/IBMMTC010617.pdf|title=Information bulletin Myanmar: Tropical Cyclone Mora|website=International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.}}

Image:Mora 2017-05-30 Suomi NPP.png on 30 May]]

A total of 500,000 people managed to move out of coastal areas before the storm made landfall on May 31. Strong winds and storm surge battered buildings and destroyed farmlands across Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, and Rangamati. At least 20,000 houses were damaged in refugee camps for Rohingya Muslims, who were displaced by conflict in neighboring Myanmar. As of May 31, 2017, nine people were reported to be killed across Bangladesh.{{cite web|title=86 fishermen missing after cyclonic storm near Bangladesh coast after killing 18|url=http://m.hindustantimes.com/world-news/86-fishermen-missing-after-cyclonic-storm-near-bangladesh-coast/story-y4V2u5MQ5KsxOOZ8czlK7I.html|date=August 30, 2017}} In addition, 81 Bangladeshi fishermen were reported to be missing after the storm.{{cite web|title=Bangladesh navy searches for 81 fishermen still missing after Cyclone Mora |url=https://in.news.yahoo.com/bangladesh-navy-searches-81-fishermen-105711254.html|date=August 30, 2017}}

{{external media|float=right|video1=[https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7K5KkNQIt1Q Conditions on Bangladesh when Severe cyclonic storm Mora made landfall ]
YouTube video}}

For two days, Mora dropped very heavy rainfall in Bangladesh. On May 30, rainfall of 225.2 mm was observed in Chittagong,{{cite web|title=Cyclone aftermath: Chittagong waterclogged|url=http://www.thedailystar.net/backpage/mora-aftermath-port-city-sees-heavy-rain-waterlogging-1413754|date=August 30, 2017}} 213 mm was observed over Sandwip, 208 mm over Sitakunda, and 187 mm over Rangamati. On May 31, rainfall of 196 mm over Netrokona and 139 mm over Hatiya was reported. Infrastructural loss ranged between ৳400–450 million (US$4.96–5.58 million).

{{see also|2017 Sri Lanka floods}}

Mora worsened ongoing floods in Sri Lanka by strengthening the southwest monsoon. Mora caused flooding and landslides throughout Sri Lanka in the final week of May 2017. 15 districts had been affected, killing 203 people and leaving 96 people missing.{{cite news |title=Floods and landslides in Sri Lanka kill at least 150 people|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/28/floods-and-landslides-and-in-sri-lanka-kill-at-least-150-people|work=theguardian.com|date=May 29, 2017}} Damage reached US$197 million

Cyclone Mora made landfall in Myanmar in the early morning on May 30. The storm moved inland from the Bay of Bengal, and caused damage in the Arakan and Chin states. The cyclone destroyed 4,702 houses and damaged to 13,595 houses in Arakan State, Chin State and Irrawaddy Division. The government reported that 325 schools, 32 office buildings, and 57 religious buildings were entirely destroyed, while 429 non-residential buildings were heavily damaged. A number of other buildings were severely damaged, including 23 hospitals and clinics, 23 governmental buildings, three bridges, 38 utility poles and 22 motorboats.{{Cite web|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/myanmar/cyclone-mora-damaged-or-destroyed-20000-houses-burma|title=Cyclone Mora damaged or destroyed 20,000 houses in Burma|date=2 June 2017|website=reliefweb}}

An 11-year-old boy was killed by a tree branch that fell in Kutupalong refugee camp in Cox's Bazar. In Myanmar, a 10-year-old boy went missing after he was taken away by the rising waters.{{Cite web|url=http://www.unhcr.org/news/briefing/2017/6/59311c794/cyclone-mora-urgent-shelter-needs-bangladesh-myanmar.html|title=Cyclone Mora: Urgent shelter needs in Bangladesh, Myanmar|date=2 June 2017|website=The UN Refugy Agency}}{{cite news|url=http://www.rfa.org/english/news/myanmar/cyclone-mora-wreaks-devastation-along-myanmars-western-coast-killing-one-05312017161013.html|title=Cyclone Mora Wreaks Devastation Along Myanmar's West Coast, Killing One|date=May 31, 2017|work=Radio Free Asia|access-date=June 14, 2017}} A tornado also formed in Rahkine which killed 2 and injured 6 people.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmtimes.com/national-news/26371-after-deadly-tornado-rakhine-state-braces-for-more-bad-weather.html|title=After deadly tornado spawned by Mora, Rakhine State braces for more bad weather|date=August 30, 2017}}

On May 31 at around 5 am the remnants of Cyclone Mora brought rainfall to 18 meteorological stations across Bhutan. The most recorded rainfall was 28.6mm, which was recorded in Dagana. No damage or deaths were reported in Bhutan.{{cite web|url=http://www.kuenselonline.com/monsoon-hit-bhutan-from-yesterday/|title=Monsoon hit Bhutan from yesterday – KuenselOnline|website=www.kuenselonline.com|access-date=20 February 2018}}

{{See also|2017 Northeast India floods}}

Cyclone Mora caused severe flooding in the Indian states of Meghalaya, Assam, Manipur and Mizoram in northeast India.

The loss of flooding in the state were about ₹1.31 billion (US$20.3 million).

Heavy rains caused by cyclone Mora hit the Indian state of Mizoram, disrupting power and telecommunications. About 20 houses were partially destroyed in the village of Khawbung, while the roof of a district hospital ward was swept away in Siaha district. Officials stated that the rain caused mudslides. An uprooted tree crushed a pastor's home in Serkawm village.{{Cite web|url=https://thewire.in/environment/cyclone-mora-damages-houses-triggers-landslides-mizoram|title=Cyclone Mora Damages Houses, Triggers Landslides in Mizoram|date=May 31, 2017|website=The Wire}}

The Indian region of Assam on was hit by severe rainstorms due to Mora. The rain triggered floods that caused 59,000 families to abandon the flooded districts of Lakhimpur, Karimganj and Darrang. The storms devastated scores of homes.{{cite web|title=cyclone Mora hits Assam

|url=http://www.india.com/news/india/floods-in-assam-destroys-homes-crop-damaged-in-four-districts-2207917/|date=August 30, 2017}}

As of 2017, Bangladesh's border region is home to approximately 1,100,000 Rohingya refugees from Myanmar.{{cite web |last1=Hasan |first1=Kamrul |title=Rohingya crisis: Population exploding as 91,000 babies are born in two years |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/rohingya-crisis/2019/08/29/rohingya-crisis-population-exploding-as-91-000-babies-are-born-in-two-years |website=Dhaka Tribune |date=August 28, 2019 |publisher=Dhaka Tribune |access-date=10 December 2019}} When Cyclone Mora struck the islands of St. Martin and Teknaf, 200,000 people evacuated to shelters. 10,000 thatched huts in the Balukhali and Kutupalong camps were destroyed. Many Rohingya refugees did not abandon their makeshift shelters when the storm struck.{{cite web|title=After deadly Mora, Rohingya refugees suffer|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/bangladesh/bangladesh-rohingya-situation-cox-s-bazaar-situation-report-1-30-june-2017|date=August 30, 2017}} One quarter of the buildings in the two camps had been damaged, including community and health centers. UN Women, in partnership with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, helped to provide emergency shelters and other supports to ensure the safety and protection of thousands of women in the two Rohingya refugee camps in Cox's Bazar. The nation of Denmark donated 2.53 billion taka to the refugees.{{cite web|title=Denmark donates Tk 256m for Rohingya|url=http://www.thedailystar.net/country/south-asia-myanmar-rohingya-refugee-crisis-denmark-donates-tk-256m-1459660|date=August 30, 2017}}

The United Nations High Commission for Refugees provided emergency hospital tents to the affected camps and aimed to provide waterproof plastic sheeting to affected families in Bangladesh. The International Organization for Migration provided shelter and emergency healthcare. The organization also supervised repairs to damaged health facilities and sanitation services. The World Food Program provided emergency food rations and large quantities of dry biscuits to affected residents, while the United Nations Children's Fund supplied hygiene kits, water purification tablets, and recreation kits for affected refugee children. The United Nations Population Fund provided high-quality medical care to pregnant women, new mothers and their newborn children in the camps.{{cite news |url=http://reliefweb.int/disaster/tc-2017-000058-bgd|title=Tropical Cyclone Mora - May 2017|access-date=May 29, 2017|date=May 29, 2017}}

Image:Eastern_Naval_Command_HADR_at_Bangladesh_(May_2017)_-_1.jpg

The Singapore Red Cross (SRC) has contributed US$100,000 for those affected by Mora in Bangladesh. The humanitarian organization said it has contributed US$50,000 to the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society. The donation contributed water and sanitation for 50,000 victims of the cyclone.{{cite web|title=singapore-red-cross-contributes-us-100-000-to-bangladesh-myanmar |url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-red-cross-contributes-us-100-000-to-bangladesh-myanmar-8951402|date=August 19, 2017}}

The European Commission provided €1.5 million (US$1.67 million) in humanitarian aid funding for emergency relief assistance to populations in Myanmar affected by tropical Cyclone Mora.{{cite web|title=Cyclone Mora:EU announces €1.5 million in assistance to victims of Cyclone Mora in Bangladesh, Myanmar |url=http://m.bdnews24.com/en/detail/bangladesh/1360160|date=July 19, 2017}} Singapore Red Cross provided US$50,000 to Myanmar Red Cross for the purchase of tarpaulins, CGI sheets, student and teacher kits for those affected in Myanmar.

{{Portal|Tropical cyclones|Bangladesh}}

• Weather of 2017
• Tropical cyclones in 2017
• 1991 Bangladesh cyclone – a powerful cyclone that made landfall in Bangladesh in 1991, killing more than 138,000 people
• Cyclone Akash – a tropical cyclone that affected Bangladesh in 2007 and caused widespread impacts.
• Cyclone Sidr – a strong tropical cyclone that devastated the Ganga delta.
• Cyclone Roanu – a weak tropical cyclone that caused widespread impacts and severe flooding.
• Cyclone Komen – an unusual tropical cyclone that originated in the Ganga delta and later struck the same region causing massive flooding.
• Tropical cyclones in Myanmar

{{Reflist|30em}}

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• [https://web.archive.org/web/20240103170426/https://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/tcdat/tc17/IO/02B.MORA/ 02B.MORA] from the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory

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