The severe cyclonic storm ‘Mora’ over North Bay moved northwards and has started crossing Cox’s Bazar-Chittagong coast near Kutubdia on Tuesday morning.

The storm made landfall at around 6am today. Maximum sustained wind speed at the district town and within 64Kms of the cyclone centre is about 89Kph rising to 117 Kph in gusts/squalls.

A K M Nazmul Haq, meteorologist stationed at Cox’s Bazar, said that cyclonic storm ‘Mora’ is crossing the coastal area of the district.

Earlier at midnight, ‘Mora’ hit St Martin’s Island, the only coral island of the country. However, no casualty was reported.

Mujibul Haq, president of St Martin’s Island Union unit of Awami League, said, ‘The Island has been hit severely. Many houses and trees have been uprooted.’

St Martin’s Island Union Chairman Nur Ahmad said about 50-60 per cent of mud houses, including his semi-pucca house, in the area were demolished due to the severity of the storm.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh met office issued special bulletin no. 16 that said the storm is likely to move in a northerly direction further.

Under its influence gusty/squally wind with rain/thunder showers is continuing over North Bay and the coastal districts and maritime ports of Bangladesh.

Sea will remain high near the system.

Maritime ports of Chittagong and Cox’s bazar have been advised to keep hoisted great danger signal no. ten.

Coastal districts of Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Feni, Chandpur and their offshore islands and chars will come under danger signal number ten.
Maritime ports of Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted great danger signal number eight.

Coastal districts of Bhola, Barguna, Patuakhali, Barisal, Pirozpur, Jhalakathi, Bagherhat, Khulna, Satkhira and their offshore islands and chars will come under danger signal number eight.

Under the influence of the severe cyclonic storm ‘Mora’ the low-lying areas of the coastal districts of Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Barguna, Bhola, Patuakhali, Barisal, Pirozpur, Jhalakathi, Bagherhat, Khulna, Satkhira and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by storm surge of 4-5 feet height above normal astronomical tide.

The coastal districts of Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Barguna, Patuakhali, Barisal, Bhola, Pirozpur, Jhalakathi, Bagerhat, Khulna, Satkhira and their offshore islands and chars are likely to experience wind speed up to 89-117kph in gusts/ squalls with heavy to very heavy falls during the passage of the severe cyclonic storm.

All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice.

Meanwhile in Chittagong, a total of 12 vessels including ten war vessels have been removed from Chittagong Naval area.