Severe cyclonic storm Remal over northwest bay and adjoining area is expected to make landfall between West Bengal's Sagar Island and Bangladesh's Khepupara from 6 pm today (Sunday).

Under the peripheral effect of the severe cyclone, rains with gusty or squally wind have started in coastal regions of Bangladesh.

After crossing the center of a severe cyclonic storm, the rest part of the system may continue to cross, said a special bulletin of Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).

It was centred at 3 pm today about 325 kms southwest of Chattogram port, 310 kms southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 200 kms south of Mongla port and 180 kms south of payra port.

Ctg Port implements emergency protocols as Cyclone Remal approaches

Maximum sustained wind speed within 64 km of the severe cyclone centre is about 90 kph rising to 120 kph in gusts or squalls.

Over 8 lakh people evacuated

Over 8 lakh people have so far been evacuated to shelters as cyclone Remal is approaching Bangladesh coast, said State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Md Mohibur Rahman.

He urged the people of 16 coastal districts to go to cyclone centres immediately for their safety.

He made the request at a press briefing after an inter-ministerial meeting on cyclone management at the Secretariat on Sunday.

8-12 feet tidal surge likely in costal districts

The low-lying areas of coastal districts Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Jhalakathi, Barguna, Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Laxmipur. Feni, Chandpur, Chattogram, Cox's Bazar and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by wind driven surge of 08-12 feet height above normal astronomical tide.

Heavy rainfall

Rajshahi, Rangpur, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions are likely to experience heavy (44-88 mm) to very heavy rainfall ( 89 mm) with gusty or squally wind.

Sea will remain high near the severe cyclone centre.

Maritime ports of Payra and Mongla have been advised to keep hoisted great danger signal no 10.

The coastal districts of Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Jhalakathi, Barguna, Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali and their offshore islands and chars will come under great danger signal no 10.

Maritime ports of Cox's Bazar and Chattogram have been advised to keep hoisted great danger signal no 9.

Over 8 lakh people evacuated to shelters: State Minister Mohibur

Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Feni, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Chandpur and their offshore islands and chars will come under great danger signal no 9.

River ports of Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Jhalakathi, Barguna, Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Chattagram, Cox's Bazar have been asked to hoist riverine great danger signal no four.

Hill districts may witness landslides

Due to very heavy rainfall, landslides may occur at places over the hilly regions of Cox's Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamatl, Khagrachari and Chattogram.

All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice.

Leave of all govt officials cancelled

Leave of officials of all ministries, divisions and subordinate offices have been cancelled to tackle the possible aftermath of cyclone Remal.

State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Md Mohibur Rahman announced it after an inter-ministerial meeting at the secretariat on Sunday.