Cyclonic ‘Bulbul’ moves northwards in Bay

GBnews24desk//

The very severe cyclonic storm ‘Bulbul’ over west-central Bay and adjoining east-central Bay moved northwards, intensifying further and now lies over northwest Bay and adjoining west-central Bay.

It was centered at 6 pm on Friday about 620 km southwest of Chattogram Port, 585 km southwest of Cox’s Bazar Port, 495 km southwest of Mongla Port and 490 km southwest of Payra Port, according to a release of Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).

It is likely to intensify further and move in a north or northeasterly direction and may cross West Bengal-Khulna coast (near the Sundarban) by Saturday evening.

Under its peripheral influence, gusty wind may affect the maritime ports, North Bay and coastal areas of Bangladesh from early Saturday.

Sea will remain very high near the very severe cyclone centre, said the press release.

Maritime ports of Mongla and Payra have been advised to lower local warning signal number four at a scale of 10 but instead hoist danger signal number seven.

Coastal districts of Bhola, Borguna, Patuakhali, Barishal, Pirojpur, Jhalokathi, Bagherhat, Khulna, Satkhira and their offshore islands and chars will come under danger signal number seven. Maritime port of Chattogram has been advised to lower local warning signal number four.

Coastal districts of Chattogram, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur and their offshore islands and chars will come under danger signal number six. Maritime port of Cox’s Bazar has been advised to keep hoisted local warning signal number four.

Under the influence of the very severe cyclonic storm ‘Bulbul’ and the moon phase, the low-lying areas of the coastal districts of Chattogram, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Borguna, Bhola, Patuakhali, Barishal, Pirozpur, Jhalokathi, Bagherhat, Khulna, Satkhira and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by storm surge of 5-7 feet height above normal astronomical tide.

All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice