Authorities have prepared more than 1,000 cycone shelters to evacuate people while all fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay and deep sea have been asked to remain anchored until further notice as Cyclone Sitrang is expected to cross southern Bangladeshi coast by early Tuesday. The Bay of Bengal will remain very rough near the eye of the cyclone, the weather office said on Monday morning. According to the latest bulletin of Bangladesh Meteorological Department, Sitrang may make landfall near Khepupara along Barishal-Chittagong coast, and because of the impact of the cyclone heavy rains would continue to lash the country. Read: ‘Sitrang’ may hit a 730 km area in Bangladesh on Oct 25: State Minister Authorities in Chattogram and other hilly districts warned that landslides could destroy homes and kill people if incessant rains continue. UNB correspondents from across southern coastal region reported heavy rains since morning.

The well-marked low over the northwest Bay and adjoining West-Bengal-Bangladesh coast weakened into a low-pressure area and now lies over the North Bay and adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh. It will be weakened further and become insignificant, the Met office said. Under its influence deep convection is continuing over the North Bay and adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh. READ: Cyclone Jawad: Over 1000 tourists stranded on St Martin's Steep pressure gradient persists over North Bay. Rain or thundershowers with temporary gusty or squally wind speed of 40-50 KPH is likely to occur over North Bay and adjoining coastal areas. Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted local cautionary signal number three. READ: Cyclone ‘Jawad’ brewing in Bay of Bengal All fishing boats and trawlers over north bay and deep sea have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice.