Cyclone Asani veers west of Arakan coast but stormy weather still likely: meteorology department

By DMG 09 May 2022

DMG Newsroom
9 May 2022, Sittwe  

As Cyclone Asani churned over the Bay of Bengal on Monday, Myanmar’s Department of Meteorology and Hydrology (DMH) said it was not likely to deliver a direct hit to the Arakan State coast, but the department nonetheless advised caution for western Myanmar’s inhabitants. 

The cyclone is forecast to intensify weather patterns along the Arakan coast and in the Myanmar delta region, bringing strong winds and storms, according to a DMH official. 

“The cyclone is expected to move north and eastwards after May 10. Therefore, the people need to be aware of the danger of cyclones. During this period, isolated heavy rainfall is likely to occur in coastal areas. I would like to warn the people to be careful as the weather may be bad,” U Hla Tun, director of the DMH, told DMG. 

At press time, Cyclone Asani was heading for India and was unlikely to make landfall on the Myanmar side, but was likely to gain momentum, he added. 

“Cyclone Asani is currently on its way to India without entering Myanmar. After May 10, we have to be a little more careful as Cyclone Asani will turn from India,” he said. 

He elaborated that due to the cyclone’s speed, strong winds could be expected to hit Myanmar offshore and onshore. 

The DMH said on Monday that there would be occasional gusts and strong waves offshore as well as along the western Myanmar coast, with gusts of up to 40 mph and waves ranging from 8 to 12 feet.