The severe cyclonic storm “Fani” weakened into a cyclonic storm and moved over Satkhira, Jashore and Khulna regions and adjoining areas on Saturday morning, reports UNB.
It is likely to move in a North-Northeasterly direction further inland over Bangladesh, said a Met Office special bulletin issued at 8:32am.
Under the influence of the cyclonic storm, the sky remains overcast and rain/thunder showers with gusty/squally wind is continuing over Bangladesh.
The maximum sustained wind speed within 54 kms of the storm centre is about 62 kph rising to 88 kph in gusts/ squalls. Sea will remain very rough.
The maritime ports of Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted danger signal No seven while the coastal districts of Bhola, Barguna, Patuakhali, Barishal, Pirojpur, Jhalakathi, Bagherhat, Khulna, Satkhira and their offshore islands and chars will come under danger signal No seven.
The maritime port of Chattogram has been advised to keep hoisted danger signal No six. The coastal districts of Chattogram, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur and their offshore islands and chars will come under danger signal No six.
The maritime port of Cox’s Bazar has been advised to keep hoisted local warning signal No four.
Under the influence of “Fani” and the new Moon phase, the low-lying areas of the coastal districts of Chattogram, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Barguna, Bhola, Patuakhali, Barishal, Pirojpur, Jhalakathi, Bagherhat, Khulna, Satkhira and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by storm surge of 2-4 feet height above normal astronomical tide.
All the fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice.
Bangladesh has been feeling the peripheral effect of ‘Fani’ since Friday morning. A number of villages and shoals in coastal districts have already been inundated.
A total 1,240,795 people have been evacuated to cyclone centres in coastal districts till Friday evening.
As many as 4,071 cyclone centres have been opened in 19 coastal districts while directives have been issued to use schools and colleges as shelter centres.
The Navy has deployed 32 ships in Chattogram, Khulna and Mongla for emergency rescue operations and relief work. Naval contingents are on standby for immediate deployment in coastal areas.
The government has also set up control rooms. The National Disaster Response Coordination Centre is providing updates.