Cyclone Remal moves northwards over Bay

The cyclonic storm Remal over northwest Bay and adjoining area moved northwards over the same area, according to a special bulletin of Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).

It is about 405 kms southwest of Chattogram port, 355 kms southwest of Cox's Bazar, 340 kms south of Mongla port and 300 kms south of Payra port. It is likely to intensify further and move northwards, said the bulletin issued at 12 am last night signed by Kh. Hafizur Rahman, a meteorologist at BMD.

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, it reads.

Maritime ports of Payra and Mongla have been advised to keep hoisted danger signal number seven (r) seven.

Maritime ports of Cox's Bazar and Chattogram have been advised to keep hoisted danger signal number six (r) six.

Under the peripheral effect of the cyclonic storm, heavy (44-88 mm) to very heavy (289 mm) rainfall with gusty or squally wind persists over north Bay, islands, chars and coastal areas of Bangladesh, according to the bulletin.

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 islands and chars are likely to be inundated by wind driven surge of 3-5 feet height above normal tide, it reads.

Under the influence of the cyclone, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall.

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