The Cyclone Bulbul has neared Bangladesh and might lash the coasts in Bangladesh and India’s West Bengal sometime between Saturday (Nov 9) evening and midnight, meteorologists said.
Bangladesh Meteorological Department Joint Director Ayesha Khanm said around 4:30pm on Saturday that the cyclone was 240 kilometres off Mongla maritime port, 275 kilometres away from Pyra, and 445 kilometres off Cox’s Bazar and Chattogram.
The Department has asked Pyra and Mongla ports to hoist great danger signal number 10, Chattogram port danger great signal number 9 and Cox’s Bazar port warning signal number 4.
According to meteorologists, the maximum sustained wind speed within 74 kilometres of the cyclone centre is 120-150 kilometres per hour.
They said coastal districts, including Chittagong, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Barguna, Bhola, Patuakhali, Barisal, Pirojpur, Jhalokathi, Bagerhat, Khulna, Satkhira, may face tidal surge up to 5-7 feet above the sea level.
The Met office has advised all fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay to remain in shelter until further notice.