Severe cyclone Giri, which is centering in Myanmar's Mandalay and Nyaung Oo in the central part at brown level, is abating into a moderate storm inland within next 12 hours at a wind speed reducing to 80 km per hour, according to a weather observations recorded on Saturday morning at 6:30 a.m. local time by the State Meteorology and Hydrology Department (MHD).

The cyclone Giri over the Bay of Bengal landed on Friday noon at Myanmar's western Rakhine coast, sweeping severely Kyaukphyu and Gyuntharya at a speed of 120 km to 128 km per hour, triggering a tidal wave of as high as 3.6 meters.

Nearby areas of Sittway, Myebon, Pauktaw, Ann, Yanbyae, Manaung, Ponnagyun and Min Bya townships were affected.

The casualties and damage brought to the Rakhine state by the cyclone strike are still officially unknown although the state radio and TV has been constantly airing the weather report since Friday before and after the Giri landing, warning of landslide threat and advising local people to be on high alert.

The cyclone storm is now forecast to be moving northeastwards, bringing heavy rain to Chin state, Magway, Mandalay, Sagaing regions, the report added.


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