300,000 in Cox’s Bazar shelters as Mocha begins to lash coastal areas

The cyclone began affecting the St Martin's Island and the tip of Teknaf from 9 am on Sunday

About 300,000 people have taken refuge at various shelters in Cox's Bazar, according to the district administration. Volunteers are still attempting to bring people in from different places.

The cyclone began affecting St Martin's Island and the tip of Teknaf from 9 am on Sunday. The sea is still rough.

“About 236,000 people have entered the shelters so far, according to government figures. Apart from this, people have also taken refuge in various places. Close to 300,000 people are estimated to have reached the shelters,” said Additional District Magistrate (General) Vibhishan Das at 10 am.

"Great Danger Signal 10 has been issued for Cox's Bazar. Efforts are underway to bring in those who are still outside because the storm will begin to cross the coastal land in the afternoon, according to the Met Office. We are working with that in mind.”

Vibhishan said that 10,000-12,000 volunteers, including about 8,600 volunteers of the CPP and 2,300 of the Red Crescent, are working to mitigate the effects of the cyclone.

“In addition, each shelter centre has separate volunteers. Each union has separate committees of public representatives.”

Asked about the situation in St Martin, Vibhishan said that the people in the shelters are safe, according to the latest news. “It is raining over there and the wind has picked up. We haven't received any bad news yet.”

Abdur Rahman, assistant meteorologist of Cox's Bazar regional Met Office, said, “Cyclone Mocha started affecting St Martin’s Island and the coast of Teknaf from 9:00 am. Wind speed is 50-55 kph on St Martin.”

“In the 24 hours from 6 am on Sunday to 6 am on Monday, 22 mm of rain was recorded on St Martin. Cox's Bazar, along with Teknaf, experienced 7 mm of rain at the same time.”

The drizzle in Cox's Bazar city and Teknaf since Sunday morning continued into Monday. But the rain grew heavier while the wind speed increased.

There were fewer people and vehicles on the streets of the district city. Shops opened late while offices and courts saw poor attendance.