The deep depression over the Bay is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm this evening and 19 coastal districts will be at high risk, State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr Md Enamur Rahman said today.

If it turns into a cyclonic storm, it will be identified as “Sitrang” and it may make landfall in Bangladesh on October 25, he said while speaking at a press briefing over the cyclone issue, held at the Secretariat.

The cyclonic storm “Sitrang” will hit a 730 km area – from Cox’s Bazar to Satkhira districts – and the government has taken necessary steps to tackle the storm, he said.

Also read: Deep depression: Light to moderate rain likely to drench Bangladesh

Due to full moon, the tidal surge will likely increase to 3-5 feet above the astronomical tide, he said.

However, there is no possibility that “Sitrang” will not turn into a ‘super cyclonic storm’ and it may hit 19 coastal districts, he added.

According to the latest bulletin of Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to hoist local cautionary signal number 3 as the deep depression over the east-central Bay and adjoining areas moved slightly north-westwards further.

It was centered at noon on Sunday about 780 km south-southwest of Cox’s bazar port, 715 km south-southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 730 km south of Mongla port, and 695 km south of Payra port.

It is likely to intensify further into a cyclonic storm and recurve initially north-westwards.

Sea will remain rough near the deep depression centre.

Under the peripheral effect of the deep depression, North Bay and adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh are likely to experience gusty or squally wind of 40-50 kph in addition to heavy to very heavy rainfall.

Under the influence of deep depression, new moon phase and steep pressure gradient, the low-lying areas of coastal Satkhira, Khulna, Bagerhat, Jhalakathi, Pirojpur, Barguna, Patuakhali, Bhola, Barishal, Laxmipur, Chandpur, Noakhali, Feni, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar districts and their offshore islands and char area likely to be inundated by the wind driven surge height of 3-5 feet above the astronomical tide. Surge height may increase afterwards.

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