Groups of fishermen were seen fishing in rivers despite the government's call to move to safer locations due to the looming threat of Cyclone Mocha.
A fisherman named Hanif Sheikh, who was fishing in the Pasur River in Mongla on Sunday, said: "The storm has not started yet, the water in the river is calm. We will get up when the storm starts.”
Another fisherman, Osman, said fishing is their only source of income. “We earn money from here. If we do not fish for one day, we will not be able to eat. We have to fight for our livelihood even during rains and storms.”
Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer Mohammad Zahidul Islam said: "Despite widespread publicity and on-site visits, fishermen are not listening. Fishermen claim that they are fishing for livelihood. Arrangements are being made to evacuate them safely.”
Harunur Rashid, in-charge of the Mongla meteorological office, said Cyclone Mocha is located 435km south-south-east from Mongla.
“Rain is likely from Sunday afternoon, but it will not be heavy,” he added.
He added that authorities have still issued local warning signal number 4 to avoid danger due to the impact of the cyclone.
Coast Guard (Mongla Headquarters) Operations Officer LtCommander Tarek Ahmed said: "A campaign is underway to increase awareness in the risky areas. Apart from this, miking is being done for fishermen from Sundarbans and adjacent rivers to come ashore. If they do not return, legal action will be taken against them.”
There is no significant threat of a major tidal surge from Cyclone Mocha right now, Bangladesh Meteorological Department has said.
“However, high tide scheduled for 4pm is expected to rise between eight to 12 feet,” Mohammad Azizur Rahman, director of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, said.
He made the announcement at a press briefing at around 1pm on Sunday.
The cyclone is currently crossing Cox's Bazar-north Myanmar coast. It is expected to make landfall near Myanmar's Sittwe around 3pm on Sunday, he said.
Rahman said the cyclone is expected to weaken after the evening.
Earlier in the day, BMD reported that Bangladesh is no longer under the primary threat of the very severe cyclonic storm Mocha.
The BMD stated the cyclone would mainly hit Myanmar, shifting its trajectory towards the south.