The Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent examinations which were postponed due to cyclonic storm Mocha will be held after the completion of the written examinations, said Dipu Moni on Monday (May 15, 2023). The written test under nine general education boards, technical and madrasha boards will end on May 23 and the postponed examinations  May 14 and May 15 will be held after the completion of the written test, she said while addressing a programme at Government Teachers’ Training College in the city. Read More: SSC exams of all education boards for May 15 postponed due to Mocha Earlier, the  SSC exams of the six education boards-Chattogram board, Cumilla board, Jashore board, Barishal board, Bangladesh Madrasa Education board and Technical Education board-for May 14 were postponed and then SSC exams of all education boards scheduled for 15 were postponed due to very severe cyclonic stom Mocha. Bangladesh Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee issued two notices signed by its chairman Professor Tapan Kumar Sarkar on Saturday and Sunday. Referring to the new curriculum, Dipu Moni said the authorities have taken steps to implement the new curriculum to build a skilled and smart nation. Also read: No chance of SSC question papers leaking: Dipu Moni.

At least 10,000 houses were damaged in Cox's Bazar, with 1,200 of them being on vulnerable St Martin's Island off the coast of Teknaf.  Despite the widespread damage, there were no reports of casualties as of filing this report. Cox's Bazar city, Sadar upazila, Maheshkhali upazila, Kutubdia upazila, and Ramu upazila were all hit by the cyclone, and locals are fearful of the potential for massive losses being uncovered as people return to their daily lives at home. Also Read: Cyclone Mocha completes landfall, ports now advised to raise signal No. 3 Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Shaheen Imran has confirmed that the cyclone's fury has ceased and that the 2.5 lakh people in shelters will be able to return home pending the authorities' green light. “However, the extent of the damage is still being assessed and will be reported later,” the DC said. The cyclone caused extensive damage in Teknaf and St. Martin, with a lot of trees falling in isolated areas of St. Martin, Teknaf Sadar and Municipal areas, Sabrang, Dailpara, and Jadimura. Also Read: Cyclone Mocha weakens slightly, lies over Maynmar land: BMD People have been seen removing trees from roads in different areas. According to Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Kamruzzaman, there are reports of extensive damage in Teknaf and Saint Martin, with trees being uprooted and houses being destroyed in some areas.  Chairman of St Martin union parishad, Mujibur Rahman, said that although the wind speed has decreased in St Martin since evening, many houses have been blown away, and some people have been injured. More accurate, precise measures of the damage done by Mocha will have to wait till tomorrow, most probably.  

A 38-year-old rickshaw puller, who sustained burn injuries after being electrocuted by a live electric wire that was blown onto him by heavy winds caused by the cyclonic storm Mocha, died at Chattogram Medical College and Hospital on Sunday. The deceased was identified as Md Zahid, hailing from Lalmonirhat district. Quoting witnesses Md Akteruzzaman, senior station officer of Bayezid Fire Service and Civil Defence, said a live electric wire suddenly fell on him while he was sitting on his rickshaw during heavy wind at the  Oxygen intersection around 9:30 am. Fire erupted from the wire and he sustained burn injuries during the incident. Later, he was taken to Chattogram Medical College and Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries at 3:30 pm, said sub-inspector Nurul Alam Ashek, in-charge of the Chattogram Medical College Hospital.    

The very severe cyclonic storm Mocha moved North-Northeastwards and crossed fully over the Bangladesh-Myanmar coast at 6pm on Sunday, weakening into a deep land depression near Sittwe in the neighbouring country. It is likely to move further inland and weaken gradually by precipitation (rainfall), said a Met Office bulletin. Maritime port of Cox’s Bazar has been advised to lower great danger signal No 10, and hoist local cautionary signal no 3. Also Read: Power, gas supply situation to improve in 2 days: Nasrul Maritime ports of Chattogram and Payra have been advised to lower great danger signal no. 8 and hoist local cautionary signal no. 3. Maritime port of Mongla has been similarly advised to lower local warning signal no. 4 and hoist local cautionary signal no. 3. Also Read: Cyclone Mocha weakens slightly, lies over Maynmar land: BMD All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice.  

Cyclones are powerful and destructive natural phenomena that can significantly damage life, property, and infrastructure. Being adequately prepared and staying aware of the necessary precautions can greatly minimize the destructive impacts of cyclones on lives and properties.  Unfortunately, unpreparedness and ignorance often exacerbate the effects of these disasters, leading to greater devastation. This article will explore essential cautionary measures before, during, and after a cyclone to save human lives, livestock, and properties. Precautions before Cyclone Remember, each cyclone is unique, and the level of preparedness required may vary. Stay vigilant, follow the advice of local authorities, and prioritize safety.  Read More: Mocha shows no sign of weakening; 190-210 kph winds near centre in BMD's midnight update Taking proactive measures before a cyclone can significantly reduce its impact and protect lives and property. Stay informed: Regularly monitor weather forecasts and warnings from reliable sources to stay updated about the cyclone's progress and potential impact on your area. Develop an emergency plan: Prepare an emergency kit with necessary supplies such as food, water, medication, flashlights, batteries, and a first aid kit. Discuss and practice evacuation routes and procedures with your family. Secure your property: Trim tree branches, secure loose objects, reinforce doors and windows, and inspect the roof for potential vulnerabilities. In addition, consider installing storm shutters or protective coverings. Read More: This is how Cyclone Mocha was named, plus all you need to know. Prepare communication channels: Keep mobile phones charged, have a battery-operated radio, and store important documents in waterproof bags. Share contact information with family and friends and establish a communication plan in case of separation. Evacuation readiness: Familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes and shelters. Plan for the needs of elderly or disabled family members and pets. Follow evacuation orders issued by local authorities promptly. Safety drills: Conduct regular safety drills with your family members to ensure everyone knows what to do during a cyclone. Practice tasks such as shutting off utilities, assembling the emergency kit, and swiftly reaching the designated safe area. Secure important documents: Make digital copies of important documents such as identification cards, passports, insurance policies, and property deeds. Store them securely in the cloud or portable device to facilitate easy access and recovery. Read More: All preparations taken to face cyclone Mocha: PM Hasina. Stock up on supplies: Maintain a sufficient supply of non-perishable food items, dry food, bottled water, and necessary medications for several days. In addition, consider the needs of infants, elderly family members, and individuals with special dietary requirements. Stay hydrated and have snacks: Keep an ample supply of drinking water and non-perishable snacks to sustain you during the cyclone and its aftermath. 

The cyclonic storm Mocha is likely to cross Cox’s Bazar and North Myanmar between 9am and 3pm today (May 14, 2023), according to the latest bulletin of Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD). Mocha, located over east central Bay and adjoining areas, kept moving north-northeastwards and kept intensifying, it reads. The cyclonic storm was located at 490 km south-southwest of Chattogram port, 410 km south-southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 530 km south of Mongla port and 460 km south of Payra port, said the BMD bulletin. Read More: Heavy rains may trigger landslides in Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram, 3 hill districts The coastal districts under Chattogram and Barishal divisions have already started experiencing the peripheral effects of the very severe cyclonic storm in the form of rain, it reads. BMD said the maximum sustained wind speed near the storm's centre was about 190 kph, rising to 210 kph, in gusts or squalls. This was up from 180-200 kph in the evening, meaning the storm was still gathering strength. Afroza Sultana, an assistant meteorologist of the BMD, told UNB this morning that there is no possibility yet that Cyclone Mocha will turn into a super cyclonic storm. Read More: All preparations taken to face cyclone Mocha: PM Hasina “We can predict that there is no possibility of Mocha turning into a super cyclone after observing its characteristics so far,” she said. There were some rumours that the cyclone had already turned into a “super cyclone”, but an Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) update pointed out that it is called a super cyclone when the maximum sustained speed crosses 221 km per hour, which is not yet the case. 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. Read More: This is how Cyclone Mocha was named, plus all you need to know 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. Read More: Mocha shows no sign of weakening; 190-210 kph winds near centre in BMD's midnight update 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. Read More: Cyclone Preparedness: Safety measures to follow before, during and after disaster

On 8th May 2023, the Indian Meteorological Department first noted a low-pressure area in the greater north Indian Ocean. The low-pressure area then gradually turned into a depression to be the first severe cyclonic storm of 2023 in the region. The depression gradually elevated to severe and then extremely severe cyclonic storm Mocha. So why is it called “Mocha”, and what is the procedure for naming storms? And more importantly, what will be the impact of the storm? Here’s what we know.  Why and how are cyclones named? Cyclones are named for the sole purpose of making them easily identifiable to people. In the case of severe cyclonic storms, there is an immediate need for information decimated across different mediums. Additionally, there can be more than one active cyclone in a region. So for easy distinction and correct information availability, the regional meteorological organizations follow a certain naming process for all tropical cyclones.  The World Meteorological Organization or WMO has a set of rules for naming tropical cyclones. This naming follows regional nomenclature that has been already predetermined and sanctioned by the regional countries.  Read more: All preparations taken to face cyclone Mocha: PM Hasina The Atlantic and Southern hemispheric regions use alphabetical naming order alternating between men's and women’s names. However, in 2000, the North Indian Oceanic regions proposed a new naming system that is alphabetically listed country-wise and is gender-neutral.  These names are used on a rotation basis. However, if the damage and casualties arising from a tropical cyclone become excessive, the regional meteorological organizations retire the names, and new names are added in their place.  In the case of North Indian oceanic regions, each name is retired after use, regardless of the damage or casualty.  Read More: Heavy rains may trigger landslides in Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram, 3 hill districts How was Cyclone Mocha Named?  If it’s any wonder, then yes, Cyclone Mocha is indeed the same Mocha as the famous coffee variant. While it may seem like there is no distinct connection between the two, the sanctioned naming process made the first tropical cyclone in the region for the year to be named Mocha.  There are six regional specialized meteorological centers (RSMC) across the globe. The IMD based in Delhi is one of the six RSMCs. The RSMCs are primarily responsible for naming the cyclone in a designated manner.  The current alphabetical and gender-neutral naming process has been implemented since 2004. Initially, the RSMC took designated names from 8 countries and later 5 more countries joined the regional center. With 13 names from 13 countries, the RSMC has a list of 169 names which it uses in the countries’ alphabetical order.  Read more: Great danger signal No 10 issued for Cox’s Bazar maritime port as cyclone Mocha approaches The name Mocha (pronounced as Mokha) was proposed by Yemen, after the famous port in the Red Sea known for its coffee production.  Current State of Cyclone Mocha  The cyclone is expected to reach around 190 to 210 kmph when it makes landfall by 14th May evening. The tidal surge caused by Mocha is expected to reach a maximum height of 3 meters while crossing over Cox’s Bazar and adjoining areas of Myanmar.  Thousands of people from the coastal areas including St Martin have already been evacuated. The local authority of St Martin declared all hotels, motels, and resorts as a temporary shelter area for those who still remain on the island. Bangladesh Meteorological Department has announced Great Danger Signal 10 as of 13th May on all the regional land and ports of the country.  Read More: Met office predicts rain or thundershowers in Dhaka, other divisions

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday (May 13, 2023) said that the government of Bangladesh has taken all necessary preparations to tackle cyclone Mocha. “Cyclone Mocha is approaching . We’ve kept ready the cyclone centres and taken all types of preparation to tackle it,” she said while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 60th convention of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) as the chief guest on IEB premises. Hasina said that electricity and gas supply will be shut in the cyclone-hit areas to save lives. Also Read: Heavy rains may trigger landslides in Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram, 3 hill districts She said the move ( shutting gas and electricity supply) would cause temporary sufferings but it would save the lives of people. “We will take and are taking such measures,” she added. Maritime port of Cox's Bazar has been advised to hoist danger signal No 10, as the very severe cyclonic storm Mocha - over east central Bay and adjoining area is likely to intensify further and move in a north-northwesterly direction. Also Read: Great danger signal No 10 issued for Cox’s Bazar maritime port as cyclone Mocha approaches The maritime ports Mongla and Payra have been advised to hoist great danger signal number 8, and the maritime port of Mongla has been advised to keep hoisted local warning signal number 4. The very severe cyclonic storm 'Mocha' is likely to cross Cox's Bazar-Myanmar's north coast by 6 pm on May 14 (Sunday), said a special bulletin of the Met Office. Cox's Bazar and adjoining coastal areas will experience the peripheral effect of the very severe cyclonic storm by this evening. Also Read: Don’t have capacity to evacuate 1.2 million Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar: State Minister.

Local administration has kept 409 cyclone centres prepared for sheltering 2,73,850 people as a deep depression over the Bay turned into Cyclonic storm ‘Mocha’and it is likely to cross Bangladesh on May 14. Khandaker Yeasir Arefin, deputy commissioner of Khulna, said the government has opened 409 cyclone shelters in the district so that people can take shelter if needed. He said a meeting of the disaster management committee will be held at 3:30 pm today (May 11, 2023). Abdul Karim, district relief and rehabilitation officer, said the upazila level officials were asked to remain in their respective workplaces and take precautionary measures. Read More: Cyclone Mocha: 446 cyclone shelters ready as panic grips Bagerhat’s coastal areas They were also asked to take steps to inform people about the danger signal through loudspeakers. Amirul Azad, in-charge of Khulna Weather Observatory Centre, said due to the impact of  cyclone ‘Mocha’ heavy rains accompanied by gusty wind may lash the district on May 13. However, unless the direction is changed, there is no possibility of the cyclone hitting the Khulna coast,  he said. Regarding cyclone preparations, state minister for Disaster Management and Relief Enamur Rahman on Wednesday said , "We are acting in accordance with the SOD (Standing Orders on Disasters). I have communicated with field personnel. The forecast indicates that Cox's Bazaar is the most vulnerable. Most at risk are the low-lying areas of St. Martin Island and Teknaf.” Read More: Cyclone Mocha looms over Bay: DAE asks farmers to harvest paddy, other crops early Enamur Rahman said the authorities will start moving people to cyclone shelters if  the cyclone danger signal reaches 5, 6 or 7. The state minister said the army, the navy and the coastguard are also ready. "We hope to bring down the loss of life and property to zero (if it strikes)," he said.

As the Cyclonic storm ‘Mocha’ is brewing over the Bay of Bengal, panic gripped the residents of coastal areas of Bagerhat district due to the vulnerable state of dyke at several points. Residents of Sharankhola, Baleshwar, Pashur in Mongla and Panguchhi in Morelganj upazilas are passing sleepless nights, worrying over when and where the storm and high tide will hit. According to Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), Mocha is likely to make landfall on Cox’s Bazar coast by Sunday (May 14). If the water rises 5 feet above normal, a number of villages will be flooded as 11km of embankment is at risk while around 25,000 shrimp enclosures may be washed away, said locals. Read More: 409 shelters prepared in Khulna as depression intensifies into Cyclone Mocha At least 446 cyclone shelters have been prepared in the district to accommodate people while 98% of boro paddy has been harvested in the district. Around 11 km of embankment at different points is in vulnerable condition. Many villages in the district will be inundated if the tidal water rises.