Several coastal areas of Saint Martin and Teknaf were devastated by the impact of the strong cyclonic storm Mocha on Sunday.
Various infrastructure including houses, trees and electricity poles were uprooted in these areas. However, after the damage, the fear of greater danger has passed as the storm has become weaker.
Mentioning that the impact of the cyclone started at 9am, district meteorological office Chief Meteorologist Abdur Rahman said: “The cyclone crossed the Bangladesh coast around 3pm and changed its course towards Myanmar.”
“Now there is nothing to fear as it has weakened a bit. The impact of the storm will continue along the coast for the next three hours. By 6pm the effect will diminish and it will weaken completely. There is no threat of flooding on our coast,” he added.
Referring to the cyclone hitting the coast of Myanmar at high speed, chairman of Saint Martin union parishad Mujibur Rahman said: “There has been extensive damage in coastal areas including Saint Martin-Teknaf. Houses were destroyed and trees were uprooted. I heard about the death of a woman. I have received reports of some injuries.”
Ismail Hossain, a resident of Saint Martin, said: “The cyclone has blown away the tin, canopies, wood and bamboo of the houses on the coast of Saint Martin. Trees fell and shops were blown away. Nothing can be seen as the wind intensity is so high.”
In this regard, Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Kamruzzaman said: “Houses and structures in Sabrang union, Saint Martin and Shahpari Island have been damaged. Some trees and mud houses have collapsed. The wind is still blowing at a high speed. However, there was no tidal surge.”
Stating that no casualty has been reported so far, additional deputy commissioner and head of cyclone control room Vibhishan Kanti Das said: “People at the shelter are safe. I have not received any news of casualties.”
According to the district meteorological department, the cyclone is passing over the last part of Saint Martin and Teknaf. Wind speed there is 50-55km per hour. There is no danger of more damage than what has been done.
District meteorological office Chief Meteorologist Abdur Rahman said: “Cyclone Mocha's centre is crossing the coast of Bangladesh and heading towards Myanmar. Due to the large diameter of the storm, it will take until 6pm to fully pass through.”
