Bangladesh: Cyclone Mora makes landfall in Chittagong May 30 /update 1

Event

Cyclone Mora made landfall at around 06:00 (local time) on Tuesday, May 30, between the cities of Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar. Authorities evacuated nearly one million people from low-lying areas located on the southern coastline, including around 200,000 residents from Cox’s Bazar and about 150,000 from Chittagong. More than 200 homes have been destroyed and many trees uprooted in Cox’s Bazar, with wind speeds reaching 120 km/h (75 mph).

Bangladesh Meteorological Department warned that low-lying areas in Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Borguna, Bhola, Patuakhali, Barisal, Pirozpur, Jhalokathi, Bagherhat, and Khulna were likely to be inundated, with sea levels expected to rise by up to 1.5 m (5 ft).

Mora has already battered Rohingya Muslims refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar and completely flooded the sites; no casualties have been reported thus far.

All flights in and out of Chittagong’s Shah Amanat International Airport (CGP) were suspended at 05:45 on Tuesday and were not expected to resume until at least 14:00. Cox’s Bazar International Airport (CXB) has been closed until further notice.

Cyclone Mora is forecast to move northwards past Chittagong over the next 12 hours, weakening into a tropical storm as it moves inland.

Context

Torrential rains and subsequent flooding and landslides inflict Bangladesh on a yearly basis during the rainy season that spans from April to October. Northern and central districts were affected by massive flooding throughout July and August 2016, with more than 1.5 million people affected across 16 central and southern districts; at least 60 people were killed by flood waters, while hundreds of thousands of residents were evacuated.

Floodwaters pose an increased health threat as they facilitate the spread of mosquito- and water-borne diseases. There is a risk of contracting malaria throughout the year in Bangladesh but transmission occurs only in rural areas. Dengue fever is endemic and is also transmitted through mosquito bites, including in urban areas. Gastric water-borne diseases are very common; epidemics usually occur during the rainy season.

Advice

Individuals present in affected regions are advised to follow all instructions as issued by local authorities. Be prepared to leave immediately if an evacuation order is given. Monitor any relevant developments of the situation via local media, the authorities, and reliable weather reporting outlets. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous – 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult – and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs disposed of.

Due to the possible presence of mosquito-borne diseases, individuals are advised to take preventive measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites (use insect repellent, wear covering clothing, sleep in screened-in or air conditioned rooms) and destroy possible mosquito breeding grounds, which include masses of garbage and small pockets of stagnant water, e.g. water that has collected in cans, bottles, tires, vases, flower pots, clogged gutters, air conditioners, and water dishes for pets.

To minimize your risk of contracting water-borne diseases, practice good hygiene, consume only treated or bottled water, and avoid foods that cannot be thoroughly cooked or disinfected.