Dhaka
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A deep depression over the east-central Bay of Bengal has intensified into Cyclone Arnab. As the sea remains rough under the cyclone's influence, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has raised warning signals at the country's four seaports. Fishing boats and trawlers operating in the North Bay of Bengal have also been advised to remain close to the coast and navigate with extreme caution.
The information was disclosed in a special bulletin issued by the Bangladesh Meteorological Department on Monday (October 26), signed by meteorologist Md Abdul Hamid Mia.
According to the bulletin, Cyclone Arnab was located at 6:00 am on Monday, approximately 820 kilometres southwest of Chattogram Port, 745 kilometres southwest of Cox's Bazar Port, 785 kilometres south of Mongla Port and 745 kilometres south of Payra Port.
According to the meteorological department's forecast, the cyclone is expected to move west-northwestwards and may intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by Monday midnight. It could subsequently strengthen further into a very severe cyclonic storm.
The forecast also said the cyclone may move northwestwards and cross the coast of India's Andhra Pradesh on October 28.
The bulletin stated that sustained wind speeds within 54 kilometres of the cyclone's centre were reaching a maximum of 62 kilometres per hour. Wind speeds could increase to 88 kilometres per hour in gusts or squalls.
The sea remains very rough near the centre of the cyclone.
In view of the developing situation, warning signals have been raised at Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra seaports. The meteorological department has instructed the ports to hoist Local Warning Signal No. 2, replacing Distant Warning Signal No. 1.
All fishing boats and trawlers operating in the North Bay of Bengal have also been advised to remain close to the coast and navigate with extreme caution until further notice.
