Rohingya boat sinks off west Burma

A boat carrying Rohingya Muslims has capsized off western Burma, aid agencies say.

The boat, said to be carrying up to 200 passengers, was evacuating people ahead of Cyclone Mahasen, which is expected to hit the area later in the week.

The boat sank off Pauktaw township in Rakhine state late on Monday, leaving an unknown number of people missing.

Tens of thousands of Rohingya Muslims are living in temporary camps in Rakhine after violence last year.

The UN had called for an urgent evacuation ahead of the storm, warning that many areas where displaced people are now living are in low-lying coastal areas at risk of flooding or tidal surges.