Cyclone Mocha death toll rises to 81 in Myanmar

A view of the damage caused by Cyclone Mocha in Sittwe, Myanmar in this handout image released May 17, 2023. - Reuters

BU MA, Myanmar (AFP): The death toll in cyclone-hit Myanmar rose to at least 81 on Tuesday (May 16), according to local leaders, officials and state media, as villagers tried to piece together ruined homes and waited for aid and support.

Mocha made landfall on Sunday with winds of up to 195km (120 miles) per hour, downing power pylons and smashing wooden fishing boats to splinters.