Depression may turn into severe cyclone

The depression over the Bay of Bengal may intensify and turn into a severe cyclone, Bngladesh Meteorological Department has said, reports bdnews24.com.
The depression over the east-central Bay of Bengal, along with the adjacent west-central Bay, has shifted northeastward and remains stationary in the same region, Meteorologist Hafizur Rahman said during a press conference on Friday afternoon.
He also highlighted that the depression may become a severe cyclone as it gains strength and moves northeastward, posing a threat to coastal areas.
If the depression intensifies into a cyclone, it will be named 'Remal', which means 'sand' in Arabic. The name was chosen by Oman.
The cyclones in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal are named by the World Meteorological Organisation's regional cyclone agency ESCAP. The names of new cyclones are gradually fixed from a list of names given by the 13 countries in the region.
According to Hafizur said, a significant low-pressure system may develop later on Friday, but its exact path remains uncertain.
It could cross southwest Bangladesh and affect areas including Khulna Division, the Sundarbans, and West Bengal in India.
Regardless of its direction, it will have an impact on Bangladesh, Hafizur said.
The India Meteorological Department said the system is likely to strengthen further to become a cyclone by Saturday morning.
The storm is expected to move towards the north, gaining more power and reach Bangladesh and West Bengal coasts by Sunday evening, the Indian weather agency said.
It was centred about 670 to 745 kilometres from the maritime ports of Bangladesh at 6pm, according to the latest special cyclone bulletin.
Meteorologist Muhammad Abul Kalam Mallik told bdnews24.com in the morning that the well-marked low pressure system in the Bay of Bengal concentrated into a depression.
The maximum sustained wind speed within 44 km of the centre of the depression is about 40 kph, rising to 50 kph in gusts and squalls.
However, the sea is moderate near the centre of the depression.
The maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Payra and Mongla have been advised to hoist distant cautionary signal No. 1.
All fishing boats and trawlers in the north Bay of Bengal and the deep sea have been advised to remain close to the coast and remain cautious until further notice.
UNB adds: For generations, thousands of people have been living at risk along the coast in Bagerhat. When the water levels rise, parts of Rampal, Mongla, and Morrelganj upazilas are flooded and water enters homes, leaving them in suffering.
The existing embankments are relatively low, so they overflow during high tides, causing residential areas to flood. During storms and tidal surges, the suffering of locals in these areas becomes unbearable.
The news of Cyclone Remal approaching has caused anxiety among the locals. To address their concerns, the Water Development Board has proposed constructing 185 km of new embankments in various areas of the district.
Among the existing embankments, 16 kms are in a vulnerable condition. To ensure safety during disasters, 359 shelters have been prepared that can accommodate 266,051 people.
Previously, super cyclones like Sidr, Aila, Amphan, Mora, Bulbul, and Fani left the coastal area residents of Bagerhat in a state of constant fear.