AMN
The cyclonic storm ‘Mora’ has started crossing Cox’s Bazar- Chittagong coast near Kutubdia. In the latest special bulletin, Bangladesh Meteorological Department said the severe cyclonic storm ‘Mora’ moved northwards over North Bay and has started crossing Cox’s Bazar-Chittagong coast near Kutubdia at 6:00 am.
Heavy rainfall have been reported in Cox’s Bazar, Patuakhali, Bagerhat and nearby areas. Hundreds of homes and trees have been reported damaged in St. Martin’s Island off Cox’s Bazar coast.
Low-lying areas in Cox’s Bazar have been flooded with 4-5 feet waves higher than normal. A 5-6 feet storm surge is expected to inundate low lying areas including Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Bhola, Jalakhati, Barisal and Noakhali.
Sensing the severity of the cyclone, the government had evacuated almost 2 million people in 10 vulnerable coastal districts. Hundreds of cyclone shelters have been activated with emergency food and water supplies.
Medical and Rescue Teams are on active alert across the vulnerable districts while over 50,000 volunteers are on stand-by for assistance. Meanwhile all flights in and out of Chittagong Shah Amanat International Airport have been suspended till this afternoon.
All ferry and launch services remain suspended. Control rooms set up in vulnerable districts are monitoring the aftereffects of the cyclone .