Mocha shows no sign of weakeningMocha crossing Cox's Bazar at a speed of 215km/h

Cyclone Mocha is crossing the coastal districts of Bangladesh including Cox's Bazar.

The maximum sustained wind speed is 195 km/h within 74 km of the cyclone center, increasing to 215 km/h in a gust or gale form. The sea is very rough in the vicinity of the cyclone centre.

A special notification from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) confirmed the matter on Sunday morning.

There were some rumours that the system had already turned into a ‘super cyclone’, but an Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) update pointed out that the system is called a super cyclone when the maximum sustained speed crosses 221 km per hour - which is not yet the case, although it may still happen overnight.

BMD in its update said the coastal districts of Cox's Bazar and Chattogram and the nearby islands and low-lying char areas may face tidal surges 8 to 12 feet above the normal tide.

Maritime port of Cox's Bazar has been advised to keep hoisted great danger signal 10. Maritime ports of Chattogram and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted great danger signal 8, said the report.

On the other hand, the maritime port of Mongla has been advised to keep hoisted local warning signal 4.

The coastal districts of Chattogram, Feni, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Chandpur, Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Jhalokathi, Pirojpur, Barguna and their offshore islands and chars will also come under great danger signal 8, the report said.

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, at 5-7 feet above normal tide.

Under the effects of Cyclone Mocha, Chattogram, Sylhet and Barishal divisions are likely to experience heavy (44-88mm) to very heavy rainfall.

Due to very heavy rainfall, landslide may occur at places in the hilly regions of Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Chattogram.

All fishing boats and trawlers over the north Bay have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice, the bulletin also said.