Residents of St Martin's Island were today urged to find safe shelter as Cyclone Hamoon approached Bangladesh's coasts.

Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Adnan Chowdhury said, "Advance preparations have been taken to deal with the impact of cyclone Hamoon."

Authorities concerned were using loudspeakers to warn the people of coastal areas, including St Martin's Island and Shah Porir Dwip, he added.

St Martin's Island residents were advised to seek refuge in 64 shelters stocked with ample dry food, the UNO added.

St Martin's Union Parishad Chairman Mujibur Rahman said there were supplies for 10,000 islanders and tourists staying on the island, stating, "Dry food is kept ready."

Due to severe weather conditions on Monday evening, the majority of tourists have been evacuated from St Martin's Island, approximately 1,400 tourists were transported back to Teknaf from St Martin's Island using three tourist ships, said the UNO.

He added that around 100 to 150 tourists opted to remain on the island of their own accord.

He also stated that all water transport services on the Teknaf-St Martin's route would be suspended starting today until further notice.

Cox's Bazar district has experienced continuous rain and moderate winds since yesterday.