DHAKA: The very severe cyclonic storm “Phailin” (with ecp 940 hpa) over west central bay and adjoining east central bay moved slightly northwestwards over west central bay and adjoining northwest bay.

It was centred at 12 noon Saturday about 815 kms west-southwest of Chittagong port, 770 kms west-southwest of cox’s bazar port and 645 kms southwest of mongla port (near lat 17.80n and long 86.00 e).

The storm is closing in towards coastal Orissa and Andhra Pradesh at wind speeds averaging 200-210 km per hour and is expected to hit the two states between 6 pm and 8 pm, NDTV reports.

Bangladesh Met office says that maximum sustained wind speed within 74 kms of the storm centre is about 200 kph rising to 220 kph in gusts/ squalls.

Sea will remain very rough.

Under the peripheral influence of the very severe cyclonic storm, deep convection may occur over North Bay. Gusty or squally wind may affect North Bay, the coastal regions and maritime ports of Bangladesh.

Maritime ports of Chittagong, Cox’s bazar and Mongla have been advised to lower distant warning signal Number two but instead hoist local cautionary signal number three.

Under the influence of very severe storm the low-lying areas of the coastal districts of Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Borguna, Bhola, Patuakhali, Barisal, Pirozpur, Jhalokathi, Bagherhat, Khulna, Satkhira and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by wind driven surge of 2-3 feet height above normal astronomical tide.

All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice.

BDST: 1523 HRS, OCT 12, 2013
RS/RIS- eic@banglanews24.com