Photo taken on May 29, 2017 shows stranded passengers waiting in the departure area at Sadarghat launch terminal in Dhaka, capital of Bangladesh, after ferry services were suspended due to cyclone "Mora". An extremely dangerous cyclone "Mora" is closing on the northeast coast of Bangladesh. (Xinhua/Salim Reza)
DHAKA, May 29 (Xinhua) -- An extremely dangerous cyclone "Mora" is closing on the northeast coast of Bangladesh.
The great danger signal No. 10 has been sounded for all ports in Bangladesh's southeastern Chittagong and Cox's Bazar districts where fishing boats, trawlers and maritime vessels have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice.
Bangladesh on Monday evening issued the great danger alert over Cyclone "Mora" that is heading towards its coastlines.
A special bulletin of Bangladesh Meteorological Department Monday at 6:00 p.m. (local time) said the cyclone is likely to intensify further and move in a northeasterly direction and may cross Chittagong and Cox's Bazar coast by morning of May 30.
Local adimistrations in Chittagong and Cox's Bazar have already ordered evacuation of nearly one million people from its coastlines as the cyclonic storm "Mora" in the Bay of Bengal is poised to cross the country's southern coast in the early hours of Tuesday.
Under the peripheral influence of cyclone "Mora", gusty and squally wind with rain and thunder showers is likely to affect North Bay, adjoining coastal area of Bangladesh and the maritime ports commencing from May 29 afternoon.
All fishing boats and trawlers over the north bay have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution till further notice. They are also advised not to venture into the deep sea.
Officials say control room set up in the capital Dhaka and elsewhere in the country were on constant touch with the local authorities where the thousands volunteets joined hands with the government officials in carrying out the evacuation and salvage campaign.
Television footage showed widespread flooding in coastal areas of Cox's Bazaar, Chittagong and other districts where hundreds of thousands of people have also reportedly been evacuated from their homes.
Local administration was asked to remain alert with food and medicines. Officials say medical teams had been mobilized to deal with the impact of the cyclone and leave had been cancelled for all government officials and employees.
Major cities including capital Dhaka are experiencing drizzle and gusty wind as an impact of the advancing cyclone.
Officials said normal activities at Chittagong seaport were shut down and people living in risky areas were asked to go to some 500 cyclone shelters in the districts.
Tornado and cyclones, killing hundreds of people every year, are common occurrences in this calamity-prone South Asian country.
