The deep depression over east-central Bay adjoining west-central Bay moved northwards, and intensified into cyclonic storm "Remal" over northwest Bay and adjoining area on Saturday evening, according to Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).
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 signed by Dr. Muhammad Abdul Kalam Mallik, a meteorologist of the organization.
Fire Service ready to take on Cyclone Remal
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.
Maritime ports of Payra and Mongla have been advised to lower local cautionary signal number three but instead of hoist danger signal, no. Seven (R) seven, it reads.
Maritime ports of Cox's Bazar and Chattogram have been advised to lower local cautionary signal no. three but instead of hoist danger signal no. Six (r) six.
Cyclonic storm ‘Remal’ likely to hit coastal areas by Sunday evening: State Minister
Under the peripheral effect of the cyclonic storm, heavy (44-88 mm) to very heavy (289mm) rainfall with gusty or squally wind persists over north Bay, their offshore islands, chars and coastal areas of Bangladesh, according to it.
Under the peripheral effect of the cyclone and steep pressure gradient, the low lying areas of the coastal districts of Satkhira, Khulna, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Jhalokhati, Barguna, Bhola, Patuakhali, Barishal, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Feni, Cumilla, Chattogram, Cox's bazar, and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by wind driven surge of 3-5 feet height above normal astronomical tide.
Under the influence of the cyclone Rajshahi, Rangpur, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, 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, it added.