Teknaf at high risk, tidal surge may reach up to 9 feet

Cyclone Mocha triggered tidal surge is set to inundate a large part of the country's coastal areas, but the Teknaf region of Cox's Bazar will be the most affected by it.

State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Ministry Enamur Rahman said this while addressing a briefing after an "Emergency Board Meeting on the Implementation of Cyclone Mocha Related Preparedness Programme" at the secretariat.

The tidal surge may reach up to 9 feet high in Teknaf while it may reach up to 6 feet high in Chattogram, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Barishal, Barguna and Bhola, he said.

Photo: Star

"If the tidal surge crosses over 3 meters [9.88 feet], it will be concerning for the people at the shelter centres," he said.

Saint Martin's Island, which is at maximum risk, have 37 shelter centres which can accommodate 8,500 people, the state minister said.

About 100 CPP volunteers and members of army, navy and coast guards are working there, he said.

The state minister said the wind speed of Mocha is expected to remain between 150-160 kilometres per hour, which may jump to 180 kilometres.

"It may not go over 180 kmph. That is why, it can't be said a super cyclone," he added.

The minister also said there is a risk of landslides as the cyclone will bring rainfall over 200mm.

He acknowledged the risks of landslides in Rohingya camps. He said 4,500 volunteers are working in the camps under the leadership of Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner to tackle any situation.

The state minister said the government does not have the capacity to shift 12 lakh Rohingyas to the cyclone centres.

1,606 shelters have been prepared in Chattogram and people are being shifted to safety, the state minister said.

The state minister hoped that the government would be able to tackle the cyclone with zero casualties.

Different departments of the government apprised the meeting about their preparations to deal with Mocha.