Bangladesh: Cyclone Mocha Humanitarian Response Situation Report, as of 14 May 2023

Situation Update

• Cyclone Mocha has hit the coastal areas along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border on 14 May at around 15:00 hrs, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and causing landslides in some areas.  As of 20:00 hrs on 14 May, the Government of Bangladesh had lowered the warning signal for maritime ports in Cox's Bazar from ten to three as the storm moved inwards and weakened.
• The Bangladesh government implemented comprehensive measures to prepare and respond to the approaching Cyclone Mocha in accordance with the Standing Orders on Disaster (SOD).
• Tens of thousands of families have been affected and homes and key facilities have been destroyed, especially in the Rohingya camps in Teknaf and neighbouring Bangladeshi communities.
• The following report includes non-exhaustive and very initial reports as rapid assessments are ongoing and planned for 15 May. More will be known in the next 24 hours.
• Bhasan Char experienced winds and rainfall as the cyclone landfall process began. Authorities have suspended the operation of all sea transportation on Bhasan Char-Chittagong route from 10 May due to the rough sea conditions. Signal flags were hoisted at eight different locations on Bhasan Char and steps were taken to inform refugees about the danger signal through loudspeakers. In the evening of 13 May, as the alert was raised to signal 8, government authorities on Bhasan Char announced evacuation of around 30,000 refugees to 53 cyclone shelters which have been prepared by all actors in anticipation for the cyclone. No loss of life or property was reported.