Cyclonic storm ‘Amphan’ intensifies into ‘very severe cyclonic storm’

The severe cyclonic storm ‘Amphan’ over the southeast Bay and adjoining southwest Bay has moved slightly northwards and intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm over the same area, says Bangladesh Meteorological Department.

The Met Office updated the storm alert in a special weather bulletin at 9:00pm on Sunday.

It said the cyclonic storm was centered about 1,285 km south-southwest of Chattogram port, 1,220 km south-southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 1,210 km south-southwest of Mongla port and 1,190 km south-southwest of Payra port.

“Maximum sustained wind speed within 74 km of the storm centre is about 110 kph rising to 130 kph in gusts/ squalls. Sea will remain very high near the system centre,” said the Met Office.

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

Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted local warning signal no. 4 ( r).

All fishing boats and trawlers over the north Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain close to the coast.