The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology forewarns that the forthcoming impacts of El Nino will be more severe in the southern regions of Myanmar, particularly in the deltaic areas of Ayeyawady Region. The effects of El Nino are growing more robust, with a noticeable decrease in coolness in the southern parts of the country and deltaic zones despite the ongoing cold season. El Nino predominantly influences temperatures during winter, resulting in reduced coldness that can adversely affect the residents.
Originating in the Pacific Ocean, El Nino’s impacts extend to various climatic extremes, including abnormal rainfall, elevated daytime temperatures, premature storms, and the onset of droughts. The heightened effects of El Nino are expected to manifest in February 2024, gradually diminishing thereafter. Residents in vulnerable areas must proactively prepare for the untimely occurrences of climatic conditions. This entails storing water in earthen lakes and tanks for emergency use.
To mitigate crop losses due to high temperatures, it is imperative for residents to judiciously consume food without waste and store surplus crops for distribution to affected individuals during adverse weather conditions. Furthermore, preparations should be made to withstand extreme weather events, including untimely storms and rains.
Government officials must raise awareness among the populace regarding effective strategies to cope with the heightened daytime temperatures and seek shelter during the hot season. Additionally, authorities should stockpile necessary medications to address potential outbreaks of diseases in high-temperature periods.
Anticipating possible adverse weather occurrences during the El Nino period is crucial. While El Nino visits Myanmar every three to four years, the magnitude of its impacts can vary. The upcoming impacts are projected to be more intense, serving as a valuable lesson for the nation to formulate plans to overcome the challenges posed by El Nino’s impending events.
It is imperative for all Myanmar citizens to adopt a collective mindset, understanding that successfully overcoming these challenges requires the unified efforts of the government and the people. The population must engrain the forthcoming impacts of El Nino in their minds, seeking the most effective ways to combat adverse weather conditions and contemplating strategies to mitigate similar impacts in the future.
Hence, people from the southern part of Myanmar must be resilient and endure the impacts triggered by El Nio. They have to know if they are united in defying impacts without fail whenever they face subsequences of unfavourable weather.
