Staff Reporter:
A depression has formed over the Southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining Southwest Bay, prompting authorities to issue cautionary advisories for all four maritime ports of Bangladesh.
According to the latest weather bulletin issued yesterday, the well-marked low-pressure system moved north-northwestwards and intensified into a depression at 6:00 am.
Its centre was located near 9.0øN latitude and 86.8øE longitude.
The system was positioned approximately 1,950 kilometres southwest of Chattogram, 1,900 kilometres southwest of Cox’s Bazar, 1,820 kilometres southwest of Mongla and 1,825 kilometers southwest of Payra.
The depression is likely to continue moving north-northwestwards and intensify further into a cyclonic storm, the bulletin said.
The maximum sustained wind speed around the depression’s centre is estimated at 40 kilometres per hour, with gusts or squalls reaching up to 50 kilometers per hour.
The sea is expected to remain moderate in the vicinity of the system’s centre.
In view of the developing weather system, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra maritime ports have been advised to hoist local cautionary signal No. 1 (R).
Authorities have also advised all fishing boats and trawlers operating in the North Bay to remain ashore and refrain from venturing into the deep sea until further notice.
Fishermen and maritime operators have been urged to follow official weather updates and adhere to safety advisories as the system develops.
