Cyclone may hit coastal dists today

100 tourists stranded on Saint Martin’s

November 17, 2023 00:00:00

Cyclone 'Midhili' is likely to hit the coastal districts of the country around 12 noon today (Friday), reports UNB.

This was disclosed by State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr Md Enamur Rahman at the ministry's conference room Thursday evening.

The cyclone is projected to impact 11 coastal districts.

He further said the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal was expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm from midnight Thursday.

A special weather bulletin of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) said that the deep depression over west-central Bay and adjoining areas moved north-east wards over the same area and was centred on Thursday noon about 725 km south-west of Chattogram Seaport, 685 km south-west of Cox's Bazar port, 595 km south-west of Mongla Seaport and 590 km south-west of Payra port.

It is likely to move north-eastwards and intensify further.

Under the peripheral effect of the deep depression, heavy (44-88 mm) to very heavy (289mm) rainfall with gusty wind may occur over north-Bay, their offshore islands and chars and coastal areas of Bangladesh, the bulletin reads.

Maximum sustained wind speed within 48 km of the deep depression centre is about 50 kph rising to 60 kph in gusts/squalls. Sea will remain moderate near the deep depression centre.

Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted local cautionary signal no 3 (three).

All fishing boats and trawlers over north-Bay and deep sea have been advised to take shelter immediately.

Earlier, on Thursday morning, tourist ship operations to the Saint Martin's Island from Teknaf in Cox's Bazaar were suspended due to inclement weather, leaving over 100 tourists stranded on the island.

The local administration suspended the operation of vessels as a depression was formed over the Bay of Bengal.

Adnan Chowdhury, Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), said the vessel movement on the Teknaf- Saint Martin's route has been suspended due to the inclement weather, and it will remain halted until further notice.