Hamoon may hit coastal regions of Bangladesh

Severe cyclonic storm ‘Hamoon’ is approaching the coast of Bangladesh in a northeasterly direction towards Chattogram and Barishal. It is currently 310 km from Payra port with wind speeds between 89 kmph and 117 kmph. It will cross the coastal region between 10pm today and 10am tomorrow.

State Minister for the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief Dr Enamur Rahman disclosed the information at a meeting held at his secretariat office on Tuesday (October 24).

“The cyclone may hit earlier if its speed increases at the last moment. Under this situation, the met office has issued danger signal number seven in the coastal areas. Instructions have been given to bring people of vulnerable 10 districts to shelters by eight o'clock at night,” said the state minister.

“We made the decision by analysing the trajectory, speed and character of the cyclone,” he said.

“We have already allocated money for providing cooked food and drinking water, food for children and cow fodder. Tk20 lakh, 50 metric tons of rice have been allotted to each district. Tk1 crore has been allocated for baby food and Tk1 crore for cow feed,” said Enamur Rahman.

“Today’s official holiday of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief has been cancelled. Ministries, directorates and field level officers are working in the coastal regions,” he added.