The very severe cyclonic storm, ‘Lehar’, over the southeast Bay and its adjoining areas moved northwestwards and now lies over the west central bay and adjoining southeast bay. It was centred at noon on Wednesday about 1,140 kms southwest of Chittagong port, 1,065 kms southwest of Cox’s Bazar port and 1,040 kms south-southwest of Mongla port. It is likely to intensify further and move in a west-northwesterly direction and may cross Andhra Pradesh cost of India near Machillipatnam by afternoon or evening tomorrow, said a special bulletin of the Met Office. Maximum sustained wind speed within 74 kms of the storm centre is about 120 kph rising to 140 kph in gusts or squalls. The sea will remain very rough near the centre of the storm. The maritime ports of Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar and Mongla have been advised to keep hoisted distant warning signal number two. All fishing boats and trawlers over the North Bay have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution till further notice. They have also been advised not to venture into deep sea. – UNB
