Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to hoist local warning signals as the deep depression over west-central Bay and adjoining area has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm ‘Hamoon’.
According to a special bulletin of Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), the severe cyclonic storm ‘Hamoon’ now lies over northwest Bay and adjoining area and was centred at 6 am today about 490 km west-southwest of Chattogram port, 455 km west-southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 365 km southwest of Mongla port, and 355 km southwest of Payra port.
Maritime ports of Payra and Chattogram have been advised to hoist danger signal number 7.
The maritime port of Cox’s Bazar has been advised to hoist danger signal 6.
The maritime port of Mongla has been advised to hoist danger signal 5.
The coastal districts of Chattogram, Feni, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Chandpur, Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Jhalokathi, Pirojpur, Barguna and their offshore islands and chars will also come under danger signal 7, the report said.
Under the effects of the cyclonic storm, north Bay and coastal areas of Bangladesh will experience heavy (44-88mm) to very heavy rainfall with gusty or squally wind.
Under the peripheral effect of the cyclone and steep pressure gradient, the low-lying areas of the coastal districts Chattogram, Feni, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Chandpur, Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Jhalokathi, Pirojpur, Barguna, Bagerhat, Khulna, Satkhira and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by the wind-driven surge, at 3-5 feet above normal astronomical tide.
Under the influence of the severe cyclone, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall. Due to the heavy rainfall landslides may occur at places over the hilly regions of Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Chattogram.
All fishing boats and trawlers over north Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice due to Cyclone Hamoon.
Ctg port authority issues ‘Alert No 3’
The Chittagong Port Authority on Tuesday issued its own ‘Alert No 3’ and relocated 22 vessels as severe cyclonic storm ‘Hamoon’ is brewing over the Bay of Bengal.
The port authorities have taken extensive preparations to protect it from possible damages by Cyclone Hamoon after the met office issued danger signal 7 for Chattogram and Payra ports.
Md Omar Faruq, secretary of Chittagong Port Authority, said that the met office has asked to hoist danger signal 7 and the port authority has issued its own ‘Alert-3’.
The announcement was made in an emergency meeting held at the port building at 11am, he added.
Measures have been taken to prevent damages to port channels, ships, handling equipment, cargo and containers during storms.
Twenty-two vessel have been ordered to go to the deep sea from the jetty.
“We will further issue our own alert following the instructions of the met office,” he said.
Besides, a special control room under the supervision of a pilot has been opened at the port for 24 hours.
The marine department of the port is sending all small and large vessels from the port channel and jetty to outer anchorage or east side of Shah Amanat Bridge with the help of Navy, Coast Guard and River Police.
Empty containers are being kept in secured place. Unloading of goods at outer anchorage has been halted. Pre-scheduled delivery operations are underway at jetties, terminals and yards.
Chittagong district administration and Chittagong City Corporation are taking necessary measures including sending the people of the coastal areas to shelters and creating awareness through miking.
