Bangladesh: Cyclonic Storm Hamoon tracking northeastward across far southeastern Bangladesh early Oct. 25 /update 2

Event

Cyclonic Storm Hamoon is tracking northeastward across far southeastern Bangladesh early Oct. 25 following landfall near Cox's Bazar earlier in the day. As of 03:00 BST, the storm's center of circulation was approximately 83 km (52 miles) south-southeast of Chittagong, Bangladesh.

Forecast models indicate that the system will track northeastward across Chattogram Division in Bangladesh and Mizoram State in India through the afternoon of Oct. 25 before weakening further and dissipating near the border of Chin State and Sagaing Region in Myanmar early Oct. 26. The storm's track and intensity forecast remains somewhat uncertain, and changes may occur over the coming hours and days.

As of early Oct. 25, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department has advised the maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla, and Payra to hoist Local Cautionary Signal 3. Authorities have advised all vessels in the North Bay to remain in shelter until further notice.

The India Meteorological Division has warned of light-to-moderate rainfall with isolated heavy downpours over parts of northeastern India Oct. 24-26. Yellow heavy rainfall warnings (the lowest level on a three-tier scale) are in place for Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura states Oct. 25-26. Myanmar's Department of Meteorology and Hydrology has forecast widespread rainfall and thunderstorms across western, northern, and north-central regions, with isolated heavy downpours. Officials will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as the storm progresses.

Authorities in Bangladesh confirmed three fatalities in Cox's Bazar late Oct. 24 due to a landslide and falling debris. The storm has injured at least six others. Authorities issued evacuation orders for Patuakhali, Barishal, Pirojpur, Jhalakathi, Barguna, Chattogram, Feni, Noakhali, Laxmipur, and Chandpur districts, as well as St. Martin's Island in Cox's Bazar District, affecting around 1.5 million people. As of early Oct. 25, about 273,000 people have evacuated to the storm shelters. Cox's Bazar Airport (CXB) has suspended flights through the afternoon of Oct. 25. Chattogram Port has also suspended operations. Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) suspended operations of all vessels on all inland waterways. Officials have also halted ferry services between Teknaf and St. Martin's Island. Reports indicate that parts of Cox's Bazar and the surrounding areas lack power.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions, rendering some bridges or roadways impassable. Further flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary closures of ports are also possible. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding increase insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters pose a serious health threat.

Advice

Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast adverse weather conditions. Heed any evacuation orders that may be issued. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for severe flooding and storm surge. Stockpile water, batteries, and other essentials in advance. Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellular phones to emergencies only. Power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming weeks.

Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions in areas in the path of the storm, especially if vital infrastructure is damaged. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.

Resources

Joint Typhoon Warning Center
Bangladesh Meteorological Department
India Meteorological Department
Myanmar Department of Meteorology and Hydrology