Cyclone Mocha, the largest and most devastating naturaldisaster to hit Rakhine State, has inflicted immense physical and psychologicalsuffering upon millions of Rakhine people.

Almost two months after the cyclone, Rakhine student leadersand social activists in the region have expressed that the Military Council, asthe current ruling body in the country, has been unable to address thefundamental physical needs of the Rakhine people, leaving their psychologicalwell-being neglected as well.

A young leader of the Arakan Students' Union said, "Afterthe cyclone, the Military Council provided rice and relief supplies to theaffected people. However, this action has faced considerable criticism in themedia. The reason being, the entire village received only 10 sheets of zincroofing, and each household received just one meal's worth of rice. The supportprovided by the Military Council was deemed insufficient, considering theurgent physical needs of the people, and has been regarded as a source of greatshame."

He emphasized that the Military Council's performance in therehabilitation sector can be observed through their inability to adequatelyprovide essential supplies such as shelter, food, and medicine to the peopleaffected by the cyclone in Rakhine State.

In addition, he pointed out that the Military Council'sfailure to address the physical needs of the cyclone-affected people wascompounded by their obstruction of aid from international organizations and thehindrance of assistance from local civil organizations. This situation furtherexacerbated the mental health challenges faced by those affected by thecyclone.

"The ministers appointed by the Military Council lack agenuine focus on the well-being of the people. Some of them fail to visit theafflicted areas and provide comfort to those in suffering. As a result, theMilitary Council is unable to provide the necessary physical and emotionalhealing to those affected by the cyclone. Furthermore, even in the presence ofphilanthropic efforts, the military council has issued statements that serve aspsychological threats," he said.

Cyclone Giri in 2010, Cyclone Mala in 2006, Cyclone Komen in2015, and Cyclone Mora in 2016 have all caused significant damage in RakhineState. However, Cyclone Mocha is considered the strongest among them.

According to reports, the Military Council has stated thatthey donated 7,000 million kyats for the recovery efforts in the Rakhine regionfollowing the cyclone. However, some have raised concerns that this gesture isprimarily aimed at gaining a positive reputation rather than effectivelysupporting the affected people. Moreover, there are criticisms regarding theslow progress of the recovery work, which remains incomplete even after twomonths since the occurrence of the cyclone.

Cyclone-affected people and social activists report that theMilitary Council, in order to preserve its image, has provided limited foodassistance. Each household reportedly receives only one packet of Mameenoodles, a small amount of oil, and a single meal's worth of rice. This minimalprovision has led to criticism from those affected and social activists.

Likewise, as a result of the cyclone, houses, farmland,cattle, and seed rice were destroyed, causing significant distress for Rakhinefarmers. Farmers have expressed their disappointment with the MilitaryCouncil's provision of seed rice, stating that it has been inadequate toaddress the great challenges they face.

A young social activist from Rathedaung said, "There arevery few people who are devoted to the people in the Military Council, while manyothers are opportunists. Corruption among their staff results in wastage, withlittle help reaching those in need. For instance, numerous relief resources,upon arrival at the townships, are lost under the control of localadministrations, failing to reach those who are truly in desperate need."

In addition, the Military Council has been targeting NGOs,INGOs, and relief workers who are offering aid to the people affected by thecyclone. This harassment by the Military Council further intensifies the sufferingof those impacted by the cyclone, impeding relief efforts and hinderingmuch-needed support.

July 14 will mark exactly two months since Cyclone Mocha madelandfall in Rakhine on May 14.

According to sources, millions of Rakhine people are still enduringphysical and psychological hardships, and there are concerns that the MilitaryCouncil's limitations on relief agencies may further exacerbate the situation.