Low turns into depression, signal 1 for ports

A low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a depression, with the possibility of evolving into a cyclone, according to the Meteorological Department.

As a precaution, seaports across Bangladesh have been instructed to hoist remote warning signal number 1.

In a special notice issued Tuesday (October 22), the Meteorological Office stated that the depression, located at 15.2°N latitude and 91.00E longitude, was moving west-northwest. As of 6 a.m., it was situated 785 km south-southwest of Chittagong, 700 km south-southwest of Cox’s Bazar, 820 km south-southeast of Mongla, and 760 km south-southeast of Payra seaports. The system is expected to continue moving and may develop into a cyclonic storm.

The Meteorological Department reported that the sustained wind speed around the depression center is 40 km/h, reaching up to 50 km/h in gusts. The sea conditions are rough in the vicinity of the depression.

Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra ports have been directed to display signal number 1, and all fishing boats and trawlers in the northern Bay of Bengal are advised to remain close to shore and be ready to seek shelter at short notice.

Meteorologist Manowar Hossain told Jago News that the cyclone is projected to mainly impact West Bengal and Orissa in India, but areas in Bangladesh such as Barisal, Khulna, and Jessore could experience strong winds. "We are anticipating up to signal number 6," he added.