The Teknaf upazila administration has urged the people of Saint Martin's Island to move to safer places ahead of Cyclone Hamoon.
To face the severe cyclonic storm Hamoon the upazila administration held a preparatory meeting on Tuesday morning to deal with any situation.
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Adnan Chowdhury said: "We have made advance preparations for the severe cyclonic storm Hamoon. We have already advised people to move to safer locations in the coastal areas near the border, including the islands of St. Martin and Shahpari. Additionally, we have readied 64 shelters stocked with ample dry food."
The severe cyclonic storm Hamoon, currently situated over the Northwest Bay of Bengal, is moving northeastward. Consequently, the maritime ports of Payra and Chittagong have changed from local warning signal number four to danger signal number seven.
According to the Met office, Hamoon is currently located 445 km west-southwest of Chittagong port, 410 km west-southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 325 km southwest of Mongla port, and 310 km southwest of Payra port. It is expected to move further north-northeast and make landfall along the Barisal-Chittagong coast near Bhola from Wednesday morning to noon.
Meanwhile, the upazila administration has instructed tourists visiting Cox's Bazar and Saint Martin's Island to leave the island by 3pm on Monday due to adverse weather conditions, but approximately 300 tourists remain there.
In response, Saint Martin's Beach worker Md Joynal said: "Tourists staying on the island come to the beach for morning baths. Others roam the beaches, including the jetty ghat. We have asked them to stay safe, and locals have also been advised to seek shelter."
Abdur Rahim, a resident of the island, said: "The wind has subsided in the morning, and while the rain has decreased, the strong winds have caused trees to fall. We are now dealing with high tide, which brings additional concerns, especially with the numerous tourists on the island."
Saint Martin's Union Parishad Chairman Mujibur Rahman said: "Local residents, as well as tourists staying on the island, have been urged to find safe shelter. Moreover, we have experienced various cyclones in the past and have taken all necessary precautions. We have prepared dry food, and we have around 10,000 people here who are all in a position to be kept safe."