The cyclone ‘Fani’ have more intensified in the Bay of Bengal is now whirling 1000kms away from deep sea and would hit coastal areas in the country on Saturday (May 4).

Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) Director Shamsuddin Ahmed confirmed Bangla Tribune.

Tropical cyclone is getting more strength and would pass through different parts of Orissa and West Bengal in India on Friday (May 3). He said that the storm will hit directly on the coast of Bangladesh after changing the direction.

The storm will later ford through districts of Bangladesh and could affect Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Patuakhali, Barguna, Chittagong, and Cox's Bazar areas on Saturday (May 4).

The maritime ports of Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Mongla, and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted distant warning signal no 2 as Fani – over the West Central Bay and adjoining Southwest Bay – moved northwestwards and intensified further over the same area.

The government has made the necessary preparations to deal with the cyclone. The May Day public holiday has been suspended for govt officials in some coastal districts as a preparatory measure.

At the same time, all the officers and employees of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, Ministry of Home Affairs, are present at their respective workplaces.

The decision was taken in the emergency meeting of the ministry on Wednesday (May 1) afternoon.

State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr Md Enamur Rahman confirmed the matter to Bangla Tribune.

It was centring at 6am Wednesday about 1275kms southwest of Chittagong Port, 1,225kms southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 1150km southwest of Mongla port and 1150km southwest of Payra Port, said a Met office special bulletin.

It is likely to intensify further and move in a north/northwesterly direction.

Maximum sustained wind speed within 74kms of the storm centre is about 160 kph rising to 180 kph in gusts/squalls. Sea will remain very high near the cyclone centre.

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 till further notice. They have also been advised not to venture into the deep sea.