Maritime ports asked to hoist signal 2

The maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisting the distant warning signal number two as the squally weather may affect the maritime ports, North Bay and adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh, reports BSS.

"The cyclonic storm 'MANDOUS' over southwest bay and adjoining area moved west-north westwards over the same area and was centered at 6am today about 1,650 kilometer (km) southwest of Chattogram port, 1,590 km southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 1,565 km southwest of Mongla port and 1,550 km southwest of Payra port," a Met Office release said in a special weather bulletin number-5 today.

It is likely to move in a west-northwesterly direction, the bulletin added. Maximum sustained wind speed within 54 kms of the cyclone centre is about 62 kph rising to 88 kph in gusts/ squalls. Sea will remain very rough 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. They are also advised not to venture into the deep sea.