In a special warning issued today, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) stated that the extremely severe cyclonic storm Mocha, which is currently centered over east central Bay and the surrounding area, is expected to intensify further, move north-northwesterly, and approach the Cox’s Bazar-Myanmar north coast by 6 p.m. on May 14 (Sunday).
According to the Met Office’s special report, Cox’s Bazar and the surrounding coastal districts will feel the peripheral effects of the very strong cyclonic storm by today evening.
At 12 a.m. today, it was located approximately 865 kilometers south-southwest of Chattogram port, 795 kilometers south-southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 830 kilometers south-southwest of Mongla port, and 795 kilometers south-southwest of Payra port.
Within 74 kilometers of the very severe cyclone center, the maximum sustained wind speed is around 150 kph, peaking to 170 kph in gusts or squalls.
Cox’s Bazar and Chattogram maritime ports have been recommended to retain the great danger signal 8 hoisted, while Mongla and Payra maritime ports have been advised to have the local warning signal 4 hoisted.
Wind-driven surges of 8-12 feet above average tide are expected to inundate the coastal districts of Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram, Feni, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Chandpur, and Bhola, as well as their islands and chars.
The low-lying areas of the coastal districts of Feni, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Chandpur, and Bhola, as well as their offshore islands and chars, are likely to be inundated by a wind-driven surge height of 05-07 feet above normal astronomical tide due to the peripheral effect of a very severe cyclone and steep pressure gradient.
Chattogram, Sylhet, and Barishal divisions are predicted to face heavy (44-88 mm) to very heavy (89 mm) rainfall as a result of the very severe storm. Landslides may occur in the hilly regions of Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati, Khagrachari, and Chattogram as a result of severe rainfall.
All fishing boats and trawlers in North Bay have been told to stay put till further notice.
