Cyclone Mocha is approaching the coastal areas of north-northeast Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Meteorological Department in its special weather bulletin said: “The very severe cyclonic storm Mocha over northeast bay and adjoining area moved north-northeastwards over the same area and was centred at about 335km south of Chittagong port, 250km south of Cox's Bazar port, 435km south-southeast of Mongla port and 350km south-southeast of Payra port.”
It is now crossing Cox's Bazar-north and Myanmar coast and is likely to move in the north-northeasterly direction and complete crossing Cox's Bazar-north and Myanmar coast near Sittwe by Sunday afternoon, it adds.
BMD reported that the maximum sustained wind speed within 74km of the very severe cyclone centre is about 195kmph rising to 215kmph in gusts or squalls.
Signals for the ports
The maritime ports of Cox's Bazar have been advised to keep hoisted great danger signal no 10, while the maritime ports of Chittagong and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted great danger signal no 8.
Riverports of Cox's Bazar, Chittagong, Feni, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Chandpur, Barisal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Jhalakathi, Pirojpur and Borguna have been advised to keep hoisted riverine great danger signal no 4.
The coastal districts of Chittagong, Feni, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Chandpur, Barisal, Bhola, Patuakhall, Jhalakathi, Pirojpur, Borguna and their offshore islands and chars will come under great danger signal no 8.
Fear of inundation, landslides
“Under the peripheral effect of the very severe cyclone and steep pressure gradient, the low-lying areas of the coastal districts of Cox's Bazar and Chittagong and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by the wind-driven surge height of 08-12 feet,” the bulletin said.
Under the effect of the very severe cyclone, Chittagong, Sylhet and other divisions are likely to experience heavy (44-88mm) to very heavy rainfall (289mm).
Due to very heavy rainfall landslides may occur at places over the hilly region.
All fishing boats and trawlers over north bay have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice.