Center of Mocha Likely to Cross Cox's Bazar Coast by 3pm

The center of the very severe cyclonic storm Mocha is likely to cross Cox's Bazar-North Myanmar coast by 3pm today, said a latest weather bulletin.

"The center of the very severe cyclonic storm is likely to cross Cox's Bazar-North Myanmar coast by 3 pm and the whole body (part) of the system will complete crossing the coast near Sittwe by this evening", the bulletin elaborated.

Maximum sustained wind speed within 74 km of the very severe cyclonic center is about 160KPH rising to 180KPH in gusts or squalls. Sea will remain very high near the storm center.

The very severe cyclonic storm 'Mocha' over the East Central Bay and adjoining area moved north-northeastwards, intensified over the Northeast Bay and adjoining area and was centred at noon today about 285 km south of Chattogram Port, 200 km south of Cox's Bazar Port, 445 km south-southeast of Mongla Port and 345 km south-Southeast of Payra Port.

Maritime port of Cox's Bazar has been advised to keep hoisted the great danger signal number 10 while Chattogram and Payra ports have been asked to keep hoisted the great danger signal number eight.

Besides, the maritime port of Mongla has been advised to keep hoisted local warning signal number four.

The coastal district of Cox's Bazar and its offshore islands and chars will come under the great danger signal number 10 while the coastal districts of Chattogram, Feni, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Chandpur, Barishal Bhola, Patuakiiali, Jhalokathi, Pirojpur, Borguna and their offshore islands and chars will come under the great danger signal number eight.

River ports of the districts of Cox's Bazar, Chattogram, Feni, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Chandpur, Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Jhalokathi, Pirojpur and Borguna have been advised to hoist riverine the great danger signal number four.

Under the peripheral effect of very severe cyclone and steep pressure gradient, the low-lying areas of the coastal districts of Cox's Bazar and Chattogram and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by the wind driven surge with height of 8-12 feet above normal astronomical tide.

The coastal districts of Feni, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Chandpur, Bhola and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by the wind driven surge height of 5-7 feet above normal astronomical tide.

Chattogram, Sylhet and Barishal divisions are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall.

Due to very heavy rainfall, landslides may occur at some places over the hilly regions of Cox's Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati, Khagrachari and Chattogram.

All fishing boats and trawlers over the North Bay have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice.