by Sahidul Hasan KhokonThough no casualty has been reported in Bangladesh due to Cyclone Mocha, some coastal areas of St. Martin and Teknaf have been badly affected. About 2,500 homes have been destroyed and thousands left homeless on the island of Saint Martin.
Kamruzzaman, executive officer of Teknaf Upazila, said, “In Sabrang Union, thousands of houses and structures were damaged on the islands of St Martin and Shahpari. Of them, 2,500 houses have been destroyed on the island.”
Some houses have been completely damaged while some have been partially damaged. The wind has toppled trees and mud houses on the island. But the tide did not come.
Earlier, Cyclone Mocha hit the coast of St Martin at around 3 pm, said the head of the district meteorological office.
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“Various infrastructure including houses and trees have been destroyed in those areas. But after the collision, the possibility of major danger has been averted. There is no possibility of more damage than what has been done,” said meteorologist Abdur Rahman.
Abdus Salam, a member of the Sabrang Union of Shahpari Island in Teknaf, said, “My entire area is surrounded by the Naf river. There are more than 600 houses. More than 400 of these houses have been destroyed by the cyclone. About 1,500 people are homeless.” They urgently need government assistance.”
Champa Begum, a resident of Jaliya Para on the banks of the Naf river, said, ‘I went to the shelter with my family after the storm started. When I looked back, the houses around were dilapidated. Now I do not know where to take refuge.
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Amin, another resident of the neighbourhood, said, ‘I have never seen such a storm before. Everyone in the neighborhood was in panic. I was safe in the shelter. God saved us. But looking back in the locality, houses were found broken. Many houses have been washed away. I am helpless now.
Referring to the damage in the district, Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Shaheen Imran said, “10,000 houses have been destroyed in the district.” Of these, more than 200 are partially damaged and the rest are completely damaged. St. Martin was most affected. 1,200 houses of this island have been destroyed. No casualty has been reported so far.”
After visiting some of the affected areas, local journalist Shahjan Chowdhary told India Today TV that a lot of trees and houses were destroyed in St Martin, Teknuf Sadar, Paur area, Sabrang, Dailpara, Jadimura, Konarpara and Galachipa areas. Roofs were blown off houses in these areas, he said, adding that locals were seen clearing trees from roads.
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Some residents of St. Martin’s Union said it was still raining in the area. Magherpara, Konarpara, Galchipa, Dakshinpara, Paschimpara and Uttarpara have been badly damaged due to destruction of houses and trees. Many people have been injured.
“The storm has caused extensive damage to the coastal area of St. Martin. Homes have been destroyed and trees uprooted,” said Mujibur Rahman, president of the St. Martin’s Union Council.
“Thousands of local people are homeless. For the time being he will stay in the shelter home. After repairs, they will be able to go to their homes.
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“At least 1,800 trees have been damaged. 10 people have been injured. One of these women is undergoing treatment at St. Martin’s Hospital. At present, the wind speed has reduced in St. Martin, while light rain continues.
Abdur Rahman, chief meteorologist at the district meteorological office, said, “The cyclone crossed the Bangladesh coast and headed towards Myanmar around 3 pm. Now there is nothing to fear. The effect of the storm will remain. As it weakens, the effect diminishes.
Cyclonic storm Mocha has weakened after the impact. The threat of major danger has been averted and there is no threat of inundation along the coast.
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