Cyclone Bulbul may hit Bangladesh Saturday midnight

Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to hoist local warning signal No. 4 as the severe cyclonic storm Bulbul over the west-central bay and adjoining east-central bay moved north-northwestwards.

The meteorologists said the cyclone might hit coastal areas of Khulna and Barishal on Saturday midnight.

But, the meteorologists added, it might wane before hitting the coast.

“The cyclone is advancing northwestwards. It may turn a bit right and hit the Khulna-Barishal coast on Saturday midnight,” said meteorologist Abdul Mannan while speaking to Prothom Alo.

“The wind velocity may rise to 144 kms, but it will be weakening before hitting the coast. The velocity of wind may fall to 100-110 kms.”

In a special weather bulletin, the Met office said Bulbul was centred about 760 km southwest of Chattogram port, 710 km southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 665 km southwest of Mongla port and 650 km southwest of Payra port.

All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay have been advised to take shelter immediately and remain in shelter till further notice, it added.