Cyclone Nargis

by azmilar | May 5, 2008 at 10:02 am | 932 views | 6 comments | 29 recommendations

I was there in Myanmar on a business trip when cyclone Nargis, the worst cyclone that ever hit Myanmar. According to the locals, they have never seen such a storm. A staff at the Micasa Hotel where I stayed said he has never seen a storm/cyclone this bad in his 55 years.

It happened on Saturday morning but that was just the beginning. It got worst around 7.30am and died around 12.00am.

All stores, airports, etc were close. My flight was suppost to be on the day but obviously, nothing can get thru.

I was quite suprise by the amount of coverage or to be more precise, the lateness of it. Only after two days of the devastating cyclone that I hear and read about the storm on the news. So it was surprising.

Reports were various ranging from 3000+ death to 380 deaths. I can't be sure myself. All the pictures i have taken were taken at my hotel, Micasa in Yangon. Yangon and a few other province were the hardest hit by the cyclone.

I wish i could venture into the cyclone but unfortunately, my camera is not waterproof nor i have the kit. Fear added some excuse too but if i had the proper equipment, i probably brave myself to capture this once of a lifetime event that happen to me.

Hope everyone says a prayer to those died in this terrible tragedy.

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Heiky
Heiky
flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 10:17 on May 5th, 2008

Thanks for sharing azmilar! Awesome photos.

Jarrett Martineau
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Jarrett Martineau
flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 10:21 on May 5th, 2008

azmilar, thanks for posting this amazing personal account. Our hearts go out to everyone who is suffering as a result of this devastating storm.

lealokman
lealokman
flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 10:27 on May 5th, 2008

Azmilar - How long did the storm last? What kind of damage did you witness? We'd really like to hear more from you!

mtippett
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mtippett
flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 14:30 on May 5th, 2008

Thank you for posting this story under what must be extremely challenging circumstances.  Stay safe.

Phil Skipper
Phil Skipper
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at 14:37 on May 5th, 2008

azmilar, this is a brave report!  stay safe!

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azmilar

Thanks all. It lasted for nearly 12 hours total. Initial downpour starting around early morning the day before, 2nd May, actually but the storm started to grow stronger around 3am on the 3rd. I was suppose to leave Myanmar on that day but all flight were canceled. The cyclone was worst around 6-7am.


 


The reports are still vague on the numbers of casualties unfortunately but it would not be a surprise if it hits the thousands mark.


 


Devastation was everywhere. Houses torn down, electricity down, no water, and all. There were harder hit areas especially those living near the coast but I was not able to get there since transportation was unvailable.


 


When i left, oil price went high up the roof since all petrol station were close.


 

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May 5, 2008 at 10:02 am by azmilar, 932 views, 6 comments

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