Danger signal 7 for maritime ports as Cyclone Remal approaches BD coast

The deep depression in the Bay of Bengal approaching the coast turned into Cyclone Remal on Saturday evening, prompting the Met Office to upgrade its warning to a danger signal 'seven ' for maritime ports and authorities to suspend vessel movement in coastal areas.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department forecasts that the cyclone's front is likely to reach the coastal belt by Sunday night, while meteorologists predicted landfall through Satkhira, Khulna and Bagerhat districts.

"The current estimate is for landfall around midnight on Sunday," said Meteorologist Md Omar Faruq. "However, cyclone speed can fluctuate, bringing it towards the coast more quickly. There are several uncertainties to consider."
On Saturday, the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief ordered special preparations for six southern districts: Satkhira, Bagerhat, Khulna, Barguna, Patuakhali, and Bhola.
State Minister Md Mohibbur Rahman said local administrations have been instructed to take necessary precautions.
Remal is expected to bring heavy rain across all eight Bangladeshi divisions, according to Mostofa Kamal Palash, a PhD researcher in meteorology and climate at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada.
Light to moderate showers were already reported across parts of Chattogram and the south on Saturday, and Mr Palash predicted these conditions to persist.
His weather website abohawa.com suggests the cyclone will move slowly across the country, with cloud cover lingering until Tuesday evening.
Remal's influence is also expected to stir intense convection in the north Bay of Bengal, leading to squally weather conditions in maritime ports and coastal areas. Authorities responded to developments by issuing advisories for maritime ports, including Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra.
On Saturday afternoon, the cautionary signal was upgraded from distant number one to local number three, later to six and seven by night. All fishing boats and trawlers operating in the North Bay and deep-sea regions have been asked to take immediate shelter.
As a precaution against the approaching cyclone, the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) halted cargo loading and unloading at the port on Saturday.
Meteorologists predict Remal to be a "severe cyclonic storm" with wind speeds of 120-130 kmph upon landfall. The last such severe cyclone to hit Bangladesh was Sidr in 2007, packing winds of 223 kmph and generating tidal waves up to 15-20 feet high, according to the Met Office.
"Cyclone Remal is expected to be weaker than Sidr," said Meteorologist Md Omar Faruq.
The authorities advised residents, particularly those in vulnerable areas, to stay informed about weather updates and follow safety protocols issued by local authorities to minimise risks from Cyclone Remal.
While speaking at the cyclone preparedness meeting at the ministry on Saturday, State Minister Md Mohibbur Rahman said, "Over the past 15 years, our proactive measures in disaster management, including cyclones, have notably reduced human suffering and property losses. We are well-equipped to handle this cyclone with similar effectiveness."
"We have engaged with deputy commissioners and upazila nirbahi officers in vulnerable areas, instructing them to undertake local preparatory measures. Coastal districts, particularly the six mentioned based on current forecasts, have been urged to brace for the cyclone," he added.
The state minister also elaborated on their week-long monitoring process, collaborating with the Met Office and regional weather stations in India. "We are additionally using reliable international forecast models to inform our decision-making," he said.
The National Disaster Response Coordination Center (NDRCC) is operational 24/7 to facilitate information exchange for cyclone response efforts. The Directorate of Disaster Management has also begun relief operations.
Over 78,000 volunteers from the Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP) are actively involved in early warnings, shelter preparations and relief distribution.
The state minister said evacuations will be based on cyclone severity and official warnings from the Met Office. Local government bodies and disaster management committees are mobilising according to established protocols.
The meeting addressed measures like disseminating early warnings, public awareness campaigns, coordination with field administrations, establishing control rooms at all levels, preparing shelters and stocking essential supplies like dry food, baby food, and cattle feed.
A toll-free helpline, 1090, will also be available for disaster-related inquiries.
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