Deep depression turns cyclonic storm ‘Komen’

- Coastal dists of Cox’s Bazar, Ctg, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Bhola and their offshore islands, chars in Bangladesh face danger signal No. 7 (seven)

- Cyclonic storm Komen‬ likely to hit Thursday afternoon

- Maritime ports of Mongla and Payra have been advised to lower local warning signal No. 4 but instead hoist danger signal No. 5

- Coastal dists of Barguna, Patuakhali, Barisal Pirojpur, Jhalakati, Bagerhat, Khulna and Satkhira, and their offshore islands, chars will come under danger signal No. 5

The deep depression over the northeast Bay and adjoining Bangladesh coast intensified into a cyclonic storm ‘Komen’ tonight and may cross the country’s coast between Barisal and Chittagong Thursday noon or afternoon.
Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Bhola, Barisal, Patuakhali, Barguna, Bagherhat, Khulna, Satkhira and their offshore islands and chars are likely to experience wind speed up to 70-90kph in gusts or squalls with heavy to very heavy falls.
The low-lying areas of these coastal districts plus Jhalokathi, Pirozpur and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by storm surge of 3-5 feet height above normal astronomical tide, according to a special bulletin of Bangladesh Meteorological Department.
“Due to very heavy rainfall, landslide may occur at places over the hilly regions of Chittagong division,” said an official of the met office.
All fishing boats, trawlers and marine vessels over the North Bay have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice, he said.
Maritime ports of Chittagong and Cox’s bazar have been advised to hoist danger signal number seven. Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Bhola and their offshore islands and chars will come under signal number seven.

Maritime ports of Mongla and Payra have been advised to hoist danger signal five at 11:00pm yesterday. Barguna, Patuakhali, Barisal Pirozpur, Jhalkathi, Bagerhat, Khulna, Satkhira and their offshore islands and chars will come under danger signal number five.
District administrations concerned have asked the people to move to safe places, reported our correspondent from Cox’s Bazar.
People from the villages close to the sea are moving to the shelters following district administration’s announcements through mike yesterday evening.
At 9:00pm Wednesday, the deep depression over northeast bay and adjoining Bangladesh coast was centered about 110kms southwest of Chittagong port, 105kms west- northwest of Cox’s Bazar Port, 170kms southeast of Mongla Port and 85kms southeast of Payra port.
Under its influence squally weather is continuing over the North Bay, adjoining coastal area of Bangladesh and the maritime ports.
Maximum sustained wind speed within 54kms of the cyclone centre was about 62kph rising to 88kph in gusts or squalls. The sea remained very rough near the system centre.