The severe cyclonic storm “Amphan” over the southeast bay and adjoining southwest bay moved northwards and intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm over the west central bay and adjoining south bay.
According to the latest bulletin of Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), Amphan came closer to Bangladesh coast by Sunday night.
BMD has advised maritime ports of Chittagong, Cox’s bazar, Mongla and Payra to keep hoisted local warning signal four, reports UNB.
It was centred about 1,110 km south-southwest of Chittagong port, 1,050 km south-southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 1,025 km south-southwest of Mongla port and 1,010 km south-southwest of Payra port at noon on Monday.
It is likely to intensify further and move in a north-northwesterly direction. Later, re-curve north-northeastwards and may cross Bangladesh coast between Khulna-Chittagong during late night of May 19 to afternoon or evening of May 20, the bulletin added.
The maximum sustained wind speed within 85 kms of the storm center is about 210 km per hour, rising to 220 km per hour in gusts or squalls. Sea will remain very high near the cyclone centre.
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.
They are also advised not to venture into the deep sea.
Warning flag raised at Rohingya camps
Partners and volunteers in the Rohingya camps have raised the "First Flag" of warning.
Thousands of trained first responder volunteers from both the Rohingyas and the host community are working to share key information with the communities and to prepare in case the cyclone makes landfall in Bangladesh, said the UNHCR.
Key partners including Bangladesh Red Crescent Society(BDRCS), International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, IOM Bangladesh and Rohingya Response ISCG Cox's Bazar are working in close partnership on the national Cyclone Preparedness Program (CPP) of the government of Bangladesh.
