The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm named Montha, prompting the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) to issue cautionary signal number 2 for the country’s coastal areas. The sea has turned rough under the storm’s influence.
In a weather bulletin issued on Monday (October 27), the BMD confirmed that the system over the southeast Bay and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal has strengthened into Cyclone Montha, now centered over the southwest and adjoining southeast Bay near latitude 11.7°N and longitude 85.5°E.
As of 3:00 am today, the cyclone was located about 1,360 kilometers southwest of Chattogram port, 1,300 kilometers southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 1,280 kilometers southwest of Mongla port, and 1,260 kilometers southwest of Payra port.
It is expected to move further northwest, intensify, and cross the Andhra Pradesh coast of India between the evening and late hours of Tuesday (October 28).
According to the Met Office, within 54 kilometers of the cyclone’s center, the maximum sustained wind speed is about 62 km per hour, rising up to 88 km per hour in gusts or squalls.
The sea near the cyclone center is reported to be very rough.
The BMD has advised Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra seaports to replace distant cautionary signal number 1 with distant warning signal number 2.
All fishing boats and trawlers over the North Bay have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice. They have also been instructed not to venture into the deep sea.
By Mohammad Morshed
Cox’s Bazar Life Photo
