Cyclone Hamoon: Eye of the cyclone likely to hit coast at midnight

Severe cyclonic storm ‘Hamoon’ has intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm and has been moving towards the coastal areas of Chattogram and Barishal at a speed of 25 kmph.

The eye of the cyclone is likely to hit the Bangladesh coastal areas at midnight. The front part of the cyclone, however, is likely to make landfall between 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm. There could be heavy to very heavy rainfall at that time, said special bulletin number 11 of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).

Maximum sustained wind speed at the storm centre is rising up to 130 kph in gusts and squalls. But the wind speed could come down to 80-90 kph during the time of landfall.

The coastal areas are likely to be inundated by wind driven surge of 3-5 feet height above normal astronomical tide under the peripheral effect of the severe cyclone and steep pressure gradient, said the weather bulletin.

Chattogram and Payra ports have been asked to hoist danger signal no. 7 while Cox’s Bazar port asked to show signal no. 6 and Mongla to hoist danger signal no. 5.

All the river ports in the coastal areas of the country have been asked to hoist danger signal no. 7. All the fishing boats and trawlers over the North Bay of Bengal and deep sea have been advised to remain in shelter until further notice.

Speaking to Prothom Alo, meteorologist Monowar Hossain said the cyclone is likely to make a landfall along the estuary of Meghna river between Barishal and Chattogram. There is a possibility of very heavy rain and wind driven surge.

The people of Chittagong Hill Tracts have been asked to move cautiously and take shelter at safer places as there is a chance of landslides due to heavy rain in Dhaka, Chattogram, Barishal and Khulna districts.