Phethai intensifies, signal 2 at maritime ports

Coastal areas in India's Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are on high alert as the cyclonic storm developing over the Bay of Bengal is set to make landfall around Kakinada Monday afternoon, according to the Indian Met office, Reports UNB.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) of India has been put on high alert along with the Coast Guard.

Nearly 350 vulnerable coastal villages of 30 mandals in the north coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh and many districts of South Bengal have been put on high alert by the respective administrations in view of cyclone Phethai.

Earlier, on November 16, at least 11 people were reported dead as a powerful cyclone 'Gaja' battered India's eastern coast.

Meanwhile, maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted distant warning signal no. two as the severe cyclonic storm 'Phethai' over West-central Bay and adjoining Southwest Bay moved North-west over the same area.

It was centred on Sunday midnight about 1385 km Southwest of Chattogram port, 1345 km Southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 1235 km Southwest of Mongla port and 1250 km Southwest of Payra port, said a special bulletin of Dhaka met office.

It is likely to move in a North/Northwest direction, met office said.

Maximum sustained wind speed within 64 kms of the severe cyclone centre is about 89 kph rising to 117 kph in gusts/squalls.

Sea will remain high near the severe cyclone centre.

All fishing boats and trawlers over 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.