DHAKA, May 12, 2023 (BSS) - Maritime ports of Cox's Bazar and Chattogram have been advised to lower local warning signal number four but instead to hoist Great Danger Signal No Eight (R) Eight. 
 
According to today's modified special bulletin number 12 of Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), the very severe cyclonic storm "Mocha" over east central bay and adjoining area moved north-northeastwards over the same area (near lat 143 n, lon 88.5 e).
 
It was centered at 06 pm today (12 may 2023) about 950 kms south-southwest of Chattogram port, 860 kms south-southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 890 kms south-southwest of Mongla port and 855 kms south- southwest of Payra port, according to the bulletin.
 
It is likely to intensify further, move in a north- northeasterly direction and cross Cox's Bazar-North Myanmar coast around 06 am to 06 pm of 14 may 2023 Cox's Bazar and adjoining coastal regions will experience the peripheral effect of the very severe cyclonic storm by the evening of 13 may 2023 maximum sustained wind speed within 74 km of the very severe cyclone centre is about 140 kph rising to 160 kph in gusts squalls sea will remain very high near the storm centre.
 
The coastal districts of Cox's Bazar, Chattogram, Feni, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Chandpur, Bhola and their offshore islands and chars will come under Great Danger Signal No Eight (R) Eight.
 
Maritime ports of Mongla and Payra has been advised to keep hoisted local warning Signal Number Four (R) Four.
 
Under the peripheral effect of the cyclone and steep pressure gradient, the low lying areas of the coastal districts of Cox's Bazar and Chattogram and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by the wind driven surge height of 08-12 feet above normal astronomical tide.
 
Under the peripheral effect of the cyclone and steep pressure gradient, the low lying areas of the coastal districts of Feni, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Chandpur, Bhola and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by the wind driven surge height of 05-07 feet above normal astronomical tide.
 
All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice.