National

Maritime ports asked to hoist signal 4

The depression over west-central bay and adjoining area moved east-northeastwards and intensified into deep depression over northwest bay and adjoining area, a Met Office weather bulletin said on Saturday, reports BSS.It was centered at 12pm Saturday about 630 kms west-southwest of Chittagong port, 595 kms west-southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 500 kms southwest of Mongla port and 495 kms southwest of Payra port.It is likely to intensify further and move in a north-northeasterly direction and may cross Barisal-Chittagong coast by tomorrow morning.Maximum sustained wind speed within 48 kms of the deep depression centre is about 50 kph rising to 60 kph in gusts or squalls. Sea will remain very rough near the deep depression centre.Maritime ports of Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to lower local cautionary signal no. Three but instead hoist local warning signal no. Four (r) four.The coastal districts of Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Borguna, Patuakhali, Barisal, Bhola, Pirozpur, Jhalokathi, Bagerhat, Khulna, Satkhira and their offshore islands and chars are likely to experience wind speed up to 50-60 kph in gusts or squalls with heavy to very falls during the passage of the deep depression.Under the influence of the deep depression, the low-lying areas of the coastal districts of Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Borguna, Bhola, Patuakhali, Barisal, Pirozpur, Jhalokathi, Bagherhat, Khulna, Satkhira and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by wind driven surge of 2-3 feet height above normal astronomical tide.All fishing boats and trawlers over north-bay and deep sea have been advised to take shelter and remain in shelter till further notice.