The six-to-eight-foot-high tidal surge, coupled with gusty wind, inundated vast areas in the coastal belt and drove hundreds of people to take shelter elsewhere. Crops and houses in many areas were damaged.

According to reports received in Dhaka, leaders of Patharghata Trawler Owners Association in Barguna, Alipur Trawler Owners Association in Patuakhali and sources in the offshore areas said about 50 trawlers with around 500 fishermen on board were missing in deep sea due to the cyclone.

Our Patuakhali correspondent reports that at least 15 fishermen in three trawlers went missing in deep sea, some 40km south of Kuakata. Low-lying areas in the district town went under water.

Tidal waves up to eight-foot high flooded most areas of Hatiya island and the district town, Our correspondent in Noakhali reports. Our Barisal correspondent said tidal surge submerged many places in the coastal areas of Barguna and Bhola.

Reports from Kuakata said six-to-eight-foot-high tides hit the southern resort town, flooding most of its areas.

Our Chittagong correspondent reports that people of coastal areas of Chittagong and in the port city heaved a sigh of relief as the cyclonic storm crossed over to Akiyab coast in Myanmar yesterday afternoon.

However, while moving in north-easterly direction, the cyclone hit southern part of Saint Martin's Island under Cox's Bazar district.

The storm left five people wounded and some 20 houses damaged in the coral island. At least 15 fishing boats, the lone wooden jetty and one cyclone shelter were also damaged. The impact of the cyclonic storm caused drizzle in most areas in the coastal belt and in the port city since morning.

Chittagong Port Authority took measures to avert damages. No ship was allowed to enter jetties and cargo handling took place on a limited scale. All fishing trawlers and boats were brought under safe shelters, port control room sources said.

The Meteorological Department yesterday said thundershower accompanied by gusty wind is likely to occur today in Barisal, Chittagong and parts of Sylhet Division.

Dhaka and Rajshahi divisions may experience moderate rainfall at places today and day temperature may fall by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius.