Cyclone Mocha: Maritime ports asked to hoist distant warning signal 2

Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra have been advised to lower distant cautionary signal number 1 and instead hoist distant warning signal 2 as the deep depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining area moved north-northwestwards and intensified into cyclonic storm "Mocha" over the same area.

It was centered about 1,295km south-southwest of Chattogram port, 1,220km south-southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 1,265km south-southwest of Mongla port, and 1,225km south-southwest of Payra port at 6am on Thursday, the Met office said in a special weather bulletin.

It is likely to intensify further and move in a north-northwesterly direction till tomorrow. Thereafter, it is likely to recurve gradually and move north-northwestwards.

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

Read more: All set to face cyclone Mocha: Enamur

Sea will remain very rough near the cyclone centre.

All fishing boats and trawlers over the north Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution due to Cyclone Mocha. They are also advised not to venture into the deep sea.

Rain/thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty/squally wind is likely to occur at one or two places over Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions. Weather may remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy sky elsewhere over the country. 

However, severe heat wave is sweeping over the districts of Rajshahi, Pabna, Bogura, Dinajpur, Nilphamari & Chuadanga and mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping elsewhere over the country and it may continue, the bulletin said.