Cyclone ‘Remal’ likely to make landfall this evening

Severe Cyclonic storm "Remal" over northwest bay and adjoining area was expected to make landfall between West Bengal‍‍`s Sagar Island and Bangladesh‍‍`s Khepupara from 6 pm today (Sunday).

After crossing the center of a severe cyclonic storm, the rest part of the system may continue to cross, said a special bulletin of Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).

It was centred at 12 noon today about 335 kms southwest of Chattogram port, 315 kms southwest of Cox‍‍`s Bazar port, 220 kms south of Mongla port and 200 kms south of payra port.

Under the peripheral effect of the severe cyclone, rains with gusty or squally wind  have started in coastal regions of Bangladesh.

Maximum sustained wind speed within 64 km of the severe cyclone centre is about 90 kph rising to 120 kph in gusts or squalls.

Under the peripheral effect of the severe cyclone and steep pressure gradient,  the low-lying areas of coastal districts Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Jhalakathi, Barguna, Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Laxmipur. Feni, Chandpur, Chattogram, Cox‍‍`s Bazar and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by wind driven surge of 08-12 feet height above normal astronomical tide.

Rajshahi, Rangpur, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions are likely to experience  heavy (44-88 mm) to very heavy rainfall ( 89 mm) with gusty or squally wind.

Sea will remain high near the severe cyclone centre.

Maritime ports of Payra and Mongla have been advised to keep hoisted great danger signal no 10.

The coastal districts of Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Jhalakathi, Barguna,  Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali and their offshore islands and chars will come under great danger signal no 10.

Maritime ports of Cox‍‍`s Bazar and Chattogram have been advised to keep hoisted great danger signal no 9.

Chattogram, Cox‍‍`s Bazar, Feni, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Chandpur and their offshore islands and chars will come under great danger signal no 9.

River ports of Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Jhalakathi, Barguna, Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Chattagram, Cox‍‍`s Bazar have been advised to lower riverine danger signal no three but instead hoist riverine great danger signal no four.

Due to very heavy rainfall, landslides may occur at places over the hilly regions of Cox‍‍`s Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamatl, Khagrachari and Chattogram.

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