Cyclone Sitrang approaching Bangladesh coastal areas

The deep depression over east central bay and adjoining area moved north-northwestwards and intensified into a cyclonic storm Sitrang over east central bay and adjoining west central bay. The cyclone further intensified and is heading towards coastal areas.

Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) in its latest bulletin said the cyclone may hit coastal areas around Wednesday evening from Monday midnight.

Under the influence of the cyclonic storm, it is raining in different spots of the country including the capital Dhaka.

Due to the approaching of cyclone, maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to hoist local warning signal number four.

According to the latest bulletin, it was centered about 705 kms southwest of Chattogram port, 650 kms southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 625 kms south-southwest of Mongla port and 600 kms south southwest of Payra port.

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.

Under the peripheral effect of the cyclone north bay and adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh are likely to be experienced of gusty squally wind speed or 40-50kphin addition to the heavy to very heavy rainfall.

Under the peripheral effect of the cyclone, new moon phase and steep pressure gradient the low lying areas of the coastal districts of Satkhira, Khulna, Bagherhat, Jhalokathi, Pirojpur, Barguna, Patuakhali, Bhola, Barishal, Laxmipur, Chandpur Noakhali, Feni, Chattogram, Cox's bazar and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by the wind driven surge height of 05-07 feet above normal astronomical tide.

All fishing boats and trawlers over north bay and deep sea have been asked to remain in shelter until further notice.