Chittagong-Barisal tract is likely to experience the fury of Roanu on Saturday as the cyclone is slated to pass over the region in the afternoon that day, a Met bulletin has confirmed.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has been monitoring the buildup and tracking the progress of the cyclone since it developed out of a depression in the Bay earlier this week.
“It is likely to intensify further and move in a north-northeasterly direction and may cross Barisal-Chittagong coast by noon/afternoon of 21 May 2016”, the bulletin issued on Friday night said.
At the time of the issue of the bulletin, the cyclone lay over the same area (near lat 19.50 n & long 86.60e) and was centred about 650 km west-southwest of Chittagong port, 635 km west-southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 470 km southwest of Mongla port and 495 km southwest of Payra port at 9:00pm.
The bulletin predicted gusty winds sweeping the coastal areas of the country since Saturday morning.
“Maximum sustained wind speed within 54 km of the cyclone centre is about 62 kph rising to 88 kph in gusts/squalls. Sea will remain very rough near the cyclone centre”, the bulletin warned.
Maritime ports of Chittagong, Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep danger signal number seven hoisted.
“Coastal districts of Chittagong, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Bhola, Borguna, Patuakhali, Barisal, Pirozpur, Jhalokathi, Bagherhat, Khulna, Satkhira and their offshore islands and chars will come under danger signal number seven (r) seven”, the bulletin said.
The Cox’s Bazar coastal region would come within the danger signal number 6, the Met Office said.
Low lying coastal regions like Chittagong, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Bhola, Borguna, and their offshore islands could experience tides measuring 4-5 feet taller than normal astronomical tides due to the cyclone, the bulletin said.
Fishermen have been advised not to venture into deep sea until further notice.
The weather forecast for the next 48 hours predicts heavy to very heavy showers over Khulna, Dhaka, Barisal and Sylhet divisions.
The forecast has also warned of landslides due to the heavy rains.
The Mongla and Chittagong docks have been closed due to bad weather. Although the airport at Chittagong remains operational, all precautionary measures are in place. The Bangladesh Inland Waterways Transport Authority has suspended operation of all boats and steamers due to the hostile weather condition.
While the administration was bracing to face the calamity, senior weather expert Abdul Mannan sought to reassure people saying there was no reason for panic. Expressing satisfaction over preparations by the disaster management wing of the administration, he hoped that the storm would pass over without doing much damage.
Meanwhile Disaster Management and Relief Ministry Secretary Md Shah Kamal has said all precautions are in place to meet the calamity.
>> 2.15 million people from 18 districts have been provided with safer refuge in 3,185 camps.
>> The weekend holiday for officials in the districts that are likely to be affected have been cancelled to deal with any eventuality.
>> Ansar and VDP, Cyclone Preparedness Programme committees, Red Crescent Society and other agencies are working in tandem at the Upazila and Union levels.
>> All personnel of disaster response teams have been asked to remain present at their designated offices to distribute relief material if needed.
>> Divisional Commissioners of regions in danger have been asked to keep dry food and potable water ready.
Source: Bd news24
