Dhaka – The low-lying areas of Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Barguna, Bhola, Patuakhali, Barisal, Pirozpur, Jhalakati, Bagherhat, Khulna, Satkhira and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by tidal surge of 2-3 feet under the influence of depression over northwest bay.
The maritime ports of Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to hoist distant cautionary signal No. 4 as the depression over west-central bay and adjoining area moved east-northeastwards and intensified into deep depression over northwest bay and adjoining area.It centred at 1200 noon on Saturday about 630 kms west-southwest of Chittagong port, 595 kms west-southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 500 kms southwest of Mongla port and 495 kms southwest of Payra port.
It is likely to intensify further and move in a north-northeasterly direction and may cross Barisal-Chittagong coast by Sunday morning, said a Met Office special bulletin.
The coastal districts of Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Barguna, Patuakhali, Barisal, Bhola, Pirozpur, Jhalakati, Bagerhat, Khulna, Satkhira and their offshore islands and chars are likely to experience wind speed up to 50-60 kph in gusts or squalls with heavy to very falls during the passage of the deep depression.
The sea will remain very rough near the deep depression centre.
All the fishing boats and trawlers over the North Bay have been advised to come close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice. They have also been advised not to venture into the deep sea.
Meanwhile, loading and unloading of goods Mongla sea port was suspended due to inclement weather.
Quoting Met office sources, UNB Khulna correspondent adds: 36 mm rains have been recorded from 12 pm to 3pm on Saturday.
In Khulna, three control rooms have been opened in Sharankhola, Mongla upazilas and deputy commissioner’s office and 234 cyclone centers have been kept prepared.
The Chittagong City Corporation, district administration the port authorities have taken necessary preparations to face any possible disaster.
A monitoring cell has been opened at city’s Dampara power sub-station office at noon.
The authorities on Saturday suspended the operation of all water vessels across the country due to inclement weather.
“The suspension order that took effect at 8:30pm will remain in force until further notice,” Public Relations officer of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) Mobarak Hossain Majumdar said. – UNB
