DHAKA, Oct 24, 2023 (BSS) – The cyclonic storm 'Hamoon' over the Bay of Bengal started crossing Cox's Bazar and Chattogram coasts after 6pm today.

"The storm may cross the coastal areas by late night today," Meteorologist Monowar Hossain told BSS this evening.

The severe cyclonic storm Hamoon over northwest bay and adjoining northeast bay moved East-northeastward and weakened further into a cyclonic storm over the northeast bay and adjoining area, he said.

It was centered at 6 pm today about 160 kms southwest of Chattogram Port, 120 kms southwest of Cox's Bazer Port, 225 kms southeast of Mongla Port and 135 kms southeast of Payra Port, said the latest special bulletin of the met office.

Maximum sustained wind speed within 54 km of the cyclone centre is about 62 kph rising to 88 kph in gusts squalls. Sea will remain very rough near the cyclone, the bulletin said.

Maritime ports of Chattogram and Cox's Bazar have been advised to keep hoisted danger signal no seven and maritime ports of Payra and Mongla have been advised to keep hoisted danger signal no five.

The coastal districts of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Feni, Noakhali, Laxmipur and their offshore islands and chars will come under danger signal no seven.
 
Under the peripheral effect of the cyclone and steep pressure gradient, the low-lying areas of the coastal districts of Cox's Bazar, Chattogram, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni Borguna, Bhola, Patuakhali, Barishal, Pirojpur, Jhalokathi, Bagherhat, Khulna, Satkhira and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by wind driven surge of 3-5 feet height above normal astronomical tide.

Under the influence of the cyclone Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions are likely to be experienced of heavy to very heavy rainfall. Due to very heavy rainfall landslide may occur at places over the hilly regions of Cox's Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati, Khagrachari and Chattogram.

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