Staff Reporter:
The severe cyclonic storm “Amphan”, which is currently moving over Southeast Bay of Bengal, is likely to turn into a very severe storm, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said.
It is likely to cross India-Bangladesh coasts between Sagar Islands in West Bengal and Hatiya islands in Bangladesh between afternoon and evening of May 20 (Wednesday).
In its latest statement, the IMD said Amphan (pronounced as UM-PUN) intensified into a severe cyclonic storm at 9am today and was 1,260km south-southwest of Khepupara (Bangladesh), 990 km south of Paradip (Indian state of Odisha) and 1,140km south-southwest of Digha (West Bengal).
Cyclonic Amphan was staying over Southeast Bay and adjoining Southwest Bay (lat. 12.0°n, long. 86.0°e) at 6:00pm Sunday, about 1305km South-Southwest of Chittagong port, 1240km South-Southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 1230km South-Southwest of Mongla port and 1210km South-Southwest of Payra port, according to the latest weather bulletin of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).
It is likely to intensify further and move in a north-northwesterly direction. Maximum sustained wind speed within 64 km of the severe cyclone centre is about 89 kph rising to 117 kph in gusts/squalls, it said.
Sea will remain very rough near the severe cyclone centre, it added.
Signal 4 for maritime ports
Maritime ports of Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted local warning signal no. four (4).
All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution till further notice, so that they can take shelter within a short notice. They are also advised not to venture into the deep sea.
Met office predicts rain, thundershowers
The BMD has predicted rain or thundershowers with lighting flashes and temporary gusty or squally wind at some places of the country.
“Rain or thundershowers with lighting flashes and temporary gusty or squally wind is likely to occur at a few places over Rangpur, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions and at one or two places over Dhaka and Rajshahi divisions,” said a met office bulletin issued Sunday morning.
Meanwhile, State minister for the ministry of disaster management and relief Dr. Enamur Rahman said the government has taken all necessary preparations to confront Cyclone Amphan.
“The Deputy Commissioners of all the coastal districts have already been instructed to prepare the cyclone shelters for affected people,” he said at a press conference organized by the ministry at his office on Sunday.
“The district commissioners have also been instructed to increase the number of the cyclone shelters so that the affected people can take shelter maintaining social distance” he said. Sufficient dry food and dairy feed have been arranged so that there would not be any scarcity of food for man and cattle as well while the people take shelter at the cyclone centers, said the minister.
“In necessity, more will be provided according to the demand of the district administration. In fact if there is no electricity, the DCs are ordered to make alternative arrangements of electricity.” he furthered.
