Cyclone Mocha, which the Indian Meteorological Department called a "very dangerous" cyclonic storm, has hit the coastlines of Bangladesh and Myanmar. The coast is witnessing heavy rainfall and winds.
The impact started to be felt along the coastline of Cox's Bazar on Sunday morning, particularly in Teknaf and St Martin's Island, reported Dhaka-based Dhaka Tribune. The effects of Cyclone Mocha on Cox's Bazar coast also led to rising tides.
The coastal areas of Chattorgram and Barishal divisions in Bangaldesh too are experiencing the effects.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Meteorological Department has warned that Saint Martin's, the one and only coral island of Bangladesh, may be temporarily submerged because of the impact of Cyclone Mocha.
"Since there is no major infrastructure on the island, the storm will not get obstructed anywhere and hit the island directly. As the centre of the storm passes over St Martin's, water will move from one side of the island to the other, and due to the intensity of the storm, the island may be underwater for some time," BMD Director Md Azizur Rahman said on Sunday.
The bulk and centre of the storm would pass over Myanmar and the rest would lash Cox's Bazar coast.
The storm was also approaching the Myanmar coast of Sittwe with great speed on Sunday morning. Videos on social media showed the wind knocking down a telecom tower in the city of Sittwe, in Myanmar. Other footage showed roofs being blown off houses and billboards flying off buildings in Yangon.
Cyclone centres set up
The arrival of the storm has spread panic in Cox's Bazar where over a million Rohingya refugees live. Thousands of people displaced by the ongoing war in Myanmar live here in bamboo, tin and polythene sheets that are vulnerable to strong winds, rain, and landslides.
However, Bangladesh Disaster Management Ministry said over 1,500 cyclone centres have been set up to evacuate 500,000 people in the two districts. "We're focussing on the efforts to ensure adequate food, safe shelter and special care for women, children and the elderly," the ministry's spokesperson said.
UN refugee agency spokesperson Olga Sarrado said preparations were underway for a partial evacuation of the Rohingya refugee camp if needed. The agency was also preparing tens of thousands of hot meals and jerrycans, she said.
