DHAKA, May 15, 2013 (BSS) – The cyclone storm ‘Mahasen’ with estimated centre pressure (ECP) 996 hectopascal (hPa) over west central bay and adjoining east central bay moved slightly north- northeastwards, and was centred at 12 noon about 815 kms southwest of Chittagong port, 750 kms southwest of Cox’s Bazaar port and 695 kms south southwest of Mongla port.
Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) in its bulletin this afternoon said the cyclone ‘Mahasen’ is approaching coastline, the maritime ports of Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar have been advised to keep hoisted danger signal number seven while maritime port of Mongla has been advised to keep hoisted danger signal number five.
The coastal districts of Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Bhola, Borguna, Patuakhali, Barisal and their offshore islands and chars will come under danger signal number seven.
The coastal districts of Pirojpur, Jhalakathi, Bagherhat, Khulna, Satkhira and their offshore islands and chars will come under danger signal number five.
The ‘Mahasen’ is likely to intensify further and move in a north-northeasterly direction and may cross Patuakhali (Khepupara)-Teknaf coast near Chittagong by early Thursday but its peripheral gusty or squally wind may affect coastal regions of Bangladesh from 10 pm today (Wednesday).
Maximum sustained wind speed within 54 kms of the storm centre is about 62 kilometer per hour (kph) rising to 88 kph in gusts or squalls. Sea will remain very rough near the storm centre.
Under the influence of the storm the low-lying areas of the coastal districts of Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Barguna, Bhola, Patuakhali, Barisal, Pirojpur, Jhalakati, Bagerhat, Khulna and Satkhira and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by storm surge of 5- 7 feet height above normal astronomical tide.
The coastal districts of Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Barguna, Patuakhali, Barisal, Bhola, Pirojpur, and their offshore islands and chars are likely to experience wind speed up to 80-90 kph in gusts or squalls with the passage of the storm.
The coastal districts of Jhalakathi, Bagerhat, Khulna, Satkhira and their offshore islands and chars are likely to experience wind speed up to 80-90 kph in gusts or squalls with the passage of the storm.
Due to very heavy rainfall, landslide may occur at places over the hilly regions of Chittagong division, the bulletin added.
All fishing boats, trawlers and marine vessels over north Bay have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice.
Source : BSS @rrajowan