State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Mohammad Enamur Rahman on Saturday said storm surge of about 2-3 meter above astronomical tides likely to inundate coastal areas of Cox’s Bazar.
Besides, the low-lying areas of Chattogram, Noakhali, Laksmipur, Barishal, Bhola and Barguna districts are likely to witness storm surge about 2 meters above astronomical tides, he said.
“The cyclone is moving in a north-northwesterly direction and may cross Cox’s Bazar-Myanmar’s north coast between 6am to 6 pm on Sunday,” said Enamur Rahman.
A three-meter-high storm surge continues to pose a hazard to individuals in shelters, he added.
Meantime, the maritime port of Cox’s Bazar has been asked to hoist the great danger signal 10.
Besides, the maritime port of Chattogram has been advised to hoist great danger signal 8 while maritime ports of Mongla and Payra have been advised to hoist local warning signal 4.
The coastal districts of Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram, Feni, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Chandpur, Bhola and their offshore islands and chars will come under great danger signal no 8.
BSS adds: State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Md Enamur Rahman on Saturday said a total of 1,600 shelter centers have been prepared in Cox's Bazar to deal with the cyclone 'MOCHA'.
"The shelters are ready to protect the coastal residents from the adverse weather situation during the cyclone. Also, 14 tonnes of dry food has been sent there so far," he said at a special weather briefing held at the ministry conference room this afternoon.
"According to the forecast, the cyclone is moving north and northeast. It is likely to hit between 6 am to 6 pm tomorrow," he said.
Depending on the trajectory, it can be said that 'MOCHA' is likely to cross Cox's Bazar district in Bangladesh and adjacent areas in Myanmar, the State Minister added.
"Under the peripheral effects of the cyclonic storm, various areas including Chattogram, Noakhali, Luxmipur, Barishal, Bhola and Barguna may experience flooding. And there may be tidal surges of 6-9 feet in Teknaf and Saint Martin's island in Cox's Bazar and 3-4 feet in Bhola and Barguna above the normal level of tide," he continued.
Dr Enamur also said that as the wind speed of the cyclone has decreased to 150 to 160, there is no chance for it to become a super cyclone.
Lawmaker Captain (retd) AB Tajul Islam, chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on disaster management and relief was present at the meeting with Secretary of the ministry Md Kamrul Hasan in the chair.
