Cyclonic storm ‘Gaja’ formed over Bay

Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to hoist distant warning signal No. two as the deep depression over southeast bay and adjoining area moved to West-northwestwards, intensified into a cyclonic storm 'Gaja' over East central bay and adjoining West central bay and Southeast bay.

It was centred at 6am Sunday about 1,020 km South-Southwest of Chattogram port, 945 km South-Southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 1,005 km South of Mongla port and 960 km South of Payra Port, said a special bulletin of the Met office.

It is likely to intensify further and move in a Northwesterly direction, it added.

Maximum sustained wind speed within 54 km of the cyclone centre is about 62 kph rising to 88 kph in gusts/squalls.

The sea will remain very rough near the cyclone centre.

All fishing boats and trawlers in the North Bay 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.

Earlier on 11 October, cyclonic storm 'Titli' made landfall on the eastern Indian state of Odisha.