Komen may strike midnight: Maya says 300,000 evacuated

Cyclone ‘Komen’ is likely to move in a northerly direction and may cross Chittagong coast near Sandwip by Thursday midnight, the latest bulletin of the Met Office says. Meanwhile, Disaster Management Minister Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya said they are fully prepared to face any disaster, insisting there will be no shortage of food supplies for those who might be affected by the cyclonic storm. He said 300,000 people were moved to 288 cyclone shelters and no one was left in houses in areas considered risky. Thirteen districts in the possible path of the cyclone have been covered by such evacuation, he added.
The weather bulletin says after landfall the system may move west-northwestwards and weaken gradually by giving precipitation. By 6pm on Thursday, cyclonic storm ‘Komen’ over Northeast Bay and adjoining Bangladesh coast moved slightly northwards and was centred at about 50 kms southwest of Chittagong sea port, 105 kms northwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 200 kms east of Mongla port and 125 kms east-northeast of Payra port. Maximum sustained wind speed within 54 kms of the cyclone centre is about 62 kph rising to 88 kph in gusts or squalls. Sea will remain very rough near the system centre.
Maya said the prime minister was personally monitoring the whole situation and keeping an eye on efforts. “We are in touch with Cox’s Bazar’s deputy commissioner on what might be needed. Tk 1 million was disbursed on Thursday to facilitate the anti-cyclone preparations.” Responding to a query, the minister said the army was kept on alert. “The Army has always played a direct role in facing national disasters."
Strong wing and heavy rains under the influence of 'Komen' left at least six people killed in Cox’s Bazar, Patuakhali, Bhola and Brahmanbaria districts and six others went missing in a boat capsize in B’baria, from Wednesday night to Thursday afternoon.

- mbz