Maritime ports asked to hoist signal 1

Bangladesh meteorological department on Friday morning said that the well-marked low over west central Bay and adjoining southwest Bay has moved northeast-wards and concentrated into a depression over east central Bay and adjoining west central Bay.

In a special bulletin, the BMD said it is likely to intensify and move northeast-ward further.

It was centred about 870 km south-southwest of Chattogram port, 805 km south-southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 825 km south of Mongla port and 790 km south of Payra port at 6 am today (May 24).

Maximum sustained wind speed within 44 km of the depression centre is about 40 kph rising to 50 kph in gusts or squalls; the sea will remain moderate near the depression centre, it reads.

Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to hoist distant cautionary signal no-1, according to the BMD bulletin.

All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay and the deep sea have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution till further notice. They are also advised not to venture into the deep sea.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast that the low pressure area in the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm. It could hit West Bengal or Bangladesh’s coast on Sunday evening (May 26).

'Remal' is an Arabic word meaning sand. The name was given by Oman.