The deep depression over east-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining west-central Bay moved northwards, and intensified into cyclonic storm ‘Remal’.
The Cyclonic storm ‘Remal’ is likely to hit southern districts of Bangladesh by Sunday evening, a meteorologist of Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) said.
It was centred at 6pm on Saturday about 455 kms southwest of Chattogram port, 400 kms southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 405 kms south of Mongla port and 365 kms south of Payra port.
It is likely to intensify further and move northwards, said a special bulletin of the BMD. Maximum sustained wind speed within 54 kms of the cyclone centre is about 62 kph rising to 88 kph-in gusts or squalls.
Sea will remain very rough near the cyclone centre. Bangladesh maritime ports Payra and Mongla have been advised to hoist danger signals, no. Seven (R).
While maritime ports of Cox’s Bazar and Chattogram have been advised to hoist danger signal no. Six (r). As the cyclonic storm is approaching towards the coastal regions of Bangladesh, much of southern parts may witness rainfall from Saturday night, said the Met office.
Under the influence of the cyclone ‘Remal’, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barisal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions are likely to get heavy (34-88 mm) to very heavy rainfall (289 mm) with gusty or squally wind.
All fishing boats and trawlers over north Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice.
By: Navalsang Parmar – Dhaka