UNB, Cox’s Bazar :
Cyclonic storm Hamoon started crossing the coastal areas around 6:00 pm on Tuesday with wind blowing at high speeds, according to Bangladesh Meteorological Department.
The severe cyclonic storm “HAMOON” over Northwest Bay weakened into a cyclonic storm and has started crossing the coast, BMD said in its special bulletin.
“The body of the cyclone has started crossing the coast. It is likely to move northeastwards and may complete the crossing in between Cox’s Bazar-Chattogram coast near Kutubdia during the next 8–10 hours,” read the bulletin.
The maximum sustained wind speed within 54 km of the cyclone centre is about 62 kph, rising to 88 kph in gusts and squalls.
Meanwhile, maritime ports in Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar have been advised to keep hoisting danger signal-7.
A red alert has been issued in Cox’s Bazar to deal with the cyclone.
Confirming the development, Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Shaheen Imran said the residents of the coast were asked to take shelter at nearby cyclone shelters.