By Sayar Ngaat / MPA
Meteorologists have predicted that coastal regions of Myanmar may experience strong winds and heavy rainfall, accompanied by high waves, due to a possible low-pressure area forming in the Bay of Bengal.
According to meteorologist U Win Naing, wrote on his social media page that a low-pressure area is likely to develop in the Bay of Bengal between 20 and 24 October 2024, potentially intensifying into a cyclonic storm and moving toward Myanmar’s coastal regions.
“The low-pressure area expected to form on 14 October is not likely to have a significant impact on Myanmar. However, between 20 and 24 October, the system could strengthen and develop into a cyclone, which may move closer to Myanmar’s coastline,” U Win Naing stated.
He further warned that the southern coastal areas of Myanmar, including the Irrawaddy Delta, Mon and Tanintharyi coastlines, and Rakhine coastal regions, could experience heavy rainfall and high waves due to the possible formation of this system.
In addition, a forecast of the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, issued at 2:30 PM on 13 October, indicated that a low-pressure area would likely form in the southern part of the Bay of Bengal by 14 October. The forecast noted that this system could move west and northwest, potentially affecting northern Tamil Nadu and southern Andhra Pradesh in India.
If the low-pressure area develops as expected, wave heights along Myanmar’s coastline and offshore areas could reach between four to seven feet, according to the meteorological release.
“At around 2:30 PM today, strong winds were blowing, and there was significant rainfall. The rain lasted for about three and a half hours before it subsided,” a local resident from Hlegu Township, Yangon Region, reported.
Meteorologists have advised farmers to remain vigilant, especially during the post-monsoon period from 11 October to the end of November, as the expected rainfall during this period could cause damage to crops.
“Heavy rains during harvest time can be disastrous. For instance, when paddy is about to be harvested, too much rain can flood the fields, making it impossible to harvest. In such cases, water has to be pumped out with machines before the harvest can proceed, which can lead to significant crop damage,” a farmer from Shwebo Township, Sagaing Region, explained.
On 7 October, the Ministry of Natural Disaster Management and Humanitarian Affairs of National Unity Government (NUG) issued warnings that the southwest monsoon winds have started to retreat from northern and central Myanmar and farmers still have to remain vigilant for damaging rain.
In September, flooding caused by remnants of Cyclone Ragi resulted in extensive damage across Myanmar, affecting nearly nine million acres of farmland. The State Administration Council announced on 1 October that 436 people had died, and 66 others had gone missing due to the floods and accompanying landslides.