Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to hoist local warning signal number four as the very severe cyclonic storm “Fani” over the West-central Bay and adjoining area moved northwestwards further over the same area.
The storm was centred at 12pm on Wednesday (May 1) about 1235 km southwest of Chattogram Port, 1190 km southwest of Cox’s Bazar Port, 1095 km southwest of Mongla Port and 1100 km southwest of Payra Port, said a special weather bulletin.
It is likely to intensify further and move in a north or northwesterly direction.
Maximum sustained wind speed within 74 kms of the storm centre is about 160 kph, rising to 180 kph in gusts or squalls, the bulletin said, adding that 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 so that they can take shelter within short notice. They are also advised not to venture into the deep sea.