Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)-The cyclonic storm “Komen” which remains some 50 kms southwest of Chittagong port may gradually become weak and cross the port city coast by midnight, said a latest bulletin of Bangladesh Met office.
“After landfall the cyclone may move west-northwestwards and weaken gradually by giving precipitation,” said the bulletin issued at 6:00pm Thursday.
“It is likely to move in a northerly direction and may cross Chittagong coast near Sandwip by evening today (Thursday),” the bulletin added.
The Met official termed the cyclone as moderate and said “as customary to cyclones in monsoon, it will not be too intense.”
Meanwhile, one person was killed in Saint Martin’s Island, a wonderful pearl island in the middle of blue marine Bay of Bengal, while another in Bhola, south-western coastal district of Bangladesh, when trees fell on them as squally wind hit the areas ahead of the approach of “Komen”, media reports said.
A child was killed when a wall collapsed in Moheshkhali island of Bhola district.
Two more persons died when a boat capsized along Maheshkhali channel due to the cyclone.
At least six fishermen also remain missing in Cox’s Bazar and Bhola when their boats capsized in Bay.
Local administration evacuated the people remained in danger areas and relocated them in cyclone centres.
The cyclonic storm “Komen” (with ecp 988 hpa) remains about 105 kms northwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 205 kms east of Mongla port and 125 kms east-northeast of Payra port, according to the latest bulletin of the Bangladesh Met office.
The maximum sustained wind speed within 54 kms of the cyclone centre is about 62 kph rising to 88 kph in gusts or squalls. Sea will remain very rough near the system centre.
Under the influence of the storm, the beach city Cox’s Bazar and port city Chittagong have been experiencing light rains since Thursday morning.
The peripheral gusty or squally wind of the cyclonic storm has made landfall in Saint Martin’s Island and Teknaf last night, the bulletin added.
Landslide may occur at places over the hilly regions of Chittagong division due to the very heavy rainfall following the “Komen”.
Meanwhile, the offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by storm surge of 3-5 feet height above normal astronomical tide due to the cyclonic storm.
The coastal areas are likely to experience wind speed up to 80-100 kph in gusts or squalls with heavy to very falls, the Met office added.
The cyclonic storm “Komen” (with ecp 986 hpa) over northeast Bay and adjoining Bangladesh coast remain practically stationary, according to the special bulletin.
The maritime ports of Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar have been advised to keep hoisted danger signal No seven.
The coastal districts of Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Bhola, and their offshore islands and chars will come under danger signal number seven, the bulletin added.
The maritime ports of Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted danger signal No five.
The coastal districts of Borguna, Patuakhali, Barisal Pirozpur, Jhalokathi, Bagherhat, Khulna, Satkhira and their offshore islands and chars will come under danger signal number five.
Under the influence squally weather is continuing over north Bay, adjoining coastal area of Bangladesh and the coastal islands and the maritime ports.
All fishing boats, trawlers and marine vessels over north Bay have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
•NDRCC remains open, prepare the cyclone shelters forevacuation if needed.
• Armed Forces Division (AFD) and Fire Service and Civil Defense (FSCD) will take necessary action while needed.
• Coastal districts’ Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and
Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) will take required actions for preparing CPP Volunteers, Scouts, Ansars and VDPs.
• Beside these, the DC of Rangamati, Bandarban and
Khagrachari will also be prepared for disaster response.
• All CPP offices and EOC of DDM will remain open.
• All electronic medias will broadcast special weather
bulletin on depression frequently.
BBN/AI/ANS