Bangladesh: Cyclone Mora to make landfall in Chittagong May 30

Event

A tropical depression located over the Bay of Bengal intensified into Cyclone Mora on Monday, May 29, and is expected to make landfall near Chittagong on Tuesday afternoon. The coastal districts of Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Feni, and Chandpur are under “danger signal number 7” warnings as of the morning of May 29, meaning ports are expected to experience severe damaging weather.

According to the Meteorological Department, the cyclone may cause floods in low-lying areas of Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Borguna, Bhola, Patuakhali, Barisal, Pirozpur, Jhalokathi, Bagherhat, and Khulna, as well as on their offshore islands.

The cyclone is expected to intensify through Tuesday, May 30, with wind gusts speeding at 130 km/h (80 mph) before downgrading into a depression by Wednesday, May 31. Rainfall in excess of 15 cm (6 in) is expected in most of the country, including in the capital Dhaka, with 30 cm (12 in) expected in mountainous areas. Damaging floods are possible in the coming hours.

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. 

Flood waters 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.