The maritime ports of Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Mongla, and Payra have been advised to hoist local cautionary signal No. 3, according to a maritime warning bulletin issued by the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).

All fishing boats and trawlers operating over the North Bay have been instructed to remain in shelter until further notice for safety reasons.

The met office also warned that low-lying areas in coastal districts of Bangladesh are likely to face inundation caused by tidal surges. Districts at risk include Satkhira, Khulna, Bagerhat, Jhalakathi, Pirojpur, Barishal, Barguna, Patuakhali, Bhola, Chandpur, Laxmipur, Noakhali, Feni, Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, and their offshore islands and chars.

The tidal surges, estimated to be 1-3 feet above normal astronomical tides, are expected due to the combined effects of the new moon phase and a depression currently located over Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining Jharkhand.

The depression, now a land depression as of midnight on 25 July, is moving west-northwestwards and causing a steep pressure gradient over the North Bay. This situation is expected to bring gusty or squally weather to maritime ports, the North Bay, and adjacent coastal areas of Bangladesh.

Residents in vulnerable coastal zones are advised to stay alert and take necessary precautions.

MN/