Severe cyclonic storm Asani moved north-northwestwards over the west-central Bay of Bengal and the adjoining area on Monday
It was centered about 1,100km Southwest of Chittagong port, 1,045km Southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 990km South-Southwest of Mongla port and 985km South-Southwest of Payra port on Monday evening, according to a Met office bulletin.
The bulletin added that the cyclone is likely to move in a northwesterly direction.
The maximum sustained wind speed within 64km of the severe cyclonic storm centre was recorded at about 89kph, rising to 117kph in gusts or squalls.
The sea will remain high near the severe cyclonic centre.
Maritime ports of Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to hoist distant warning signal no 2. All fishing boats and trawlers over the North Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution.
Distant Warning Signal No 2 means a storm has formed with a wind speed of 62-88 km/hour in the distant deep sea. Ships may fall into danger if they leave harbour.
They have also been advised not to venture into the deep sea.
Asani is likely to reach West-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal off North Andhra Pradesh and Odisha coast in India on Tuesday, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).
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There is a possibility that the storm might later move over Satkhira area.
If realized, Cyclone Asani could trace a similar path to Cyclone Jawad that developed in the Bay of Bengal and swerved past close to south Odisha in December last year.
Cyclone Asani, a bit of an anomaly, is relatively rare for cyclones to form in the month of March. Oceans tend to be cooler during this time as seasons shift from winter to summer. Only eight cyclones have formed in the month of March between 1891 and 2020.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) on Monday issued heavy rainfall warning for three divisions.
“Moderately heavy (23-43mm) to very heavy (88mm or more) rainfall is likely to occur at places over Khulna, Chittagong and Barishal divisions during next 24 hours commencing 9am on Monday,” said BMD.
Five coastal districts on alert
Meanwhile, all necessary preparations have been taken in five coastal districts to face any possible situation that might arise due to the storm, reports UNB.
Barisal divisional administration has kept 4,915 shelter centres ready although the Bangladesh Meteorological Department predicted that the cyclone may not hit the coasts of the country.
Of these, 1,071 shelters have been prepared in Barisal district, 925 in Patuakhali, 1104 in Bhola, 712 in Pirojpur, 629 in Barguna and 474 in Jhalakathi.
Two million people as well as their livestock can take shelter at these centers.
Besides, the Divisional Commissioner's Office has instructed the concerned officials to provide clean water, dry food and electricity in the shelters.
CPP (Cyclone Preparedness Program) volunteers have also been prepared, said a source at district administration.
The Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) and various government and non-government organizations have already been instructed to remain alert.
Amin-ul-Ahsan, Barisal divisional commissioner, said adequate preparations have been taken to face the possible cyclone.
Cyclonic storm “Asani” over west-central Bay and adjoining area moved West-Northwestwards over the same area.