Developing cyclone in Bay of Bengal to spare Myanmar, but strong winds and flash floods expected

· Eleven Media Group Co., Ltd

The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology has announced that a developing cyclonic storm in the Bay of Bengal will not enter Myanmar but may still cause strong winds, flash floods, and landslides due to the intensifying low-pressure system. 

According to the report on October 21 at 12:30 PM, the low-pressure area formed over the east-central Bay of Bengal and the northern part of the adjacent Andaman Sea is expected to move northwestward. It may develop into a depression on October 22, potentially reaching cyclonic storm status in the east-central Bay of Bengal by October 23, and by October 24, it could reach the northwest Bay of Bengal (off the coasts of Odisha, India, and the western Bengal coast).

Due to the intensifying low-pressure system, scattered rain is expected across Nay Pyi Taw, Sagaing Region, Mandalay Region, Magway Region, Bago Region, Yangon Region, Ayeyawady Region, Taninthayi Region, Chin State, Rakhine State, Kayin State, and Mon State until October 24. Some areas may experience heavy rain and strong winds, along with localized downpours. 

The department has warned of potential natural hazards, including heavy rain, strong winds, thunderstorms, lightning, hail, flash flooding, and landslides. Residents near highland areas should be cautious of landslides, and those living near small rivers and streams should be aware of potential flooding. Precautions are also advised for domestic water and air transportation.

Meteorologist U Win Naing also stated, citing India’s Meteorological Department, that the cyclone is not expected to move towards Myanmar.

 “Currently, the cyclone is centered about 200 miles southwest of Pathein. It will continue to move northwest, crossing towards Odisha in India. Based on the forecast from India’s Meteorological Department, the cyclone will move across Odisha and the western part of the Bay of Bengal, with no trajectory towards Myanmar,” U Win Naing said.

However, as Myanmar is experiencing rainfall and the rice harvest season is approaching, there could be potential losses. The current situation is not expected to resemble the flooding that occurred in the past months, but scattered rain and landslides could still occur.

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