Cyclone Hamoon: Body of the Cyclone crossing coast

The main part of weakened cyclone ‘Hamoon’ started crossing the Bangladesh coastal areas in Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar at around 7:00 pm on Tuesday, said a special bulletin of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).

The wind speed within 54 kms of the centre of the cyclone was 62 kmph, it added.

The coastal areas experienced inundation 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. Low lying areas in Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar went under water due to this, said the weather bulletin.

Several trees have been broken or uprooted due to the cyclonic storm. However, no casualties have been reported in this connection so far.

As per the observations of the BMD, the main part of the cyclone will cross the Bangladesh coast through Kutubdia by Wednesday morning.

The weather due to the recent storm is not likely to be affected except some rains in Chattogram.

Teknaf in Cox’s Bazar experienced the highest amount of rain recorded until 7:00 pm.

Speaking to Prothom Alo, meteorologist Bazlur Rashid said the cyclone could not gather strength as it moved fast towards the coastal areas after its formation. That is why it weakened when it reached near the Bangladesh coast.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Inland and Water Service Authority (BIWTA) has suspended movement of all kinds of vessels in the country until the next order is issued.

Earlier in the day, the disaster management and relief ministry asked the authorities to evacuate 1.5 million people from 10 coastal districts.

Patuakhali, Bhola, Barishal, Pirojpur, Jhalokathi, Barguna, Chattogram, Feni, Noakhali and Lakshmipur are being considered as vulnerable districts to the cyclone, said state minister for disaster management and relief Md Enamur Rahman at a press briefing on Tuesday morning.