‘Bulbul’ grows 7 feet high, storm may hit coastal Bangladesh soon

Dhaka, Nov 8 (UNI) Five to seven feet high storm surge may hit the low-lying areas of country’s coastal belt due to the cyclone Bulbul that likely to press over Bangladesh tomorrow evening, Dhaka Met office bulletin reported on Friday. Chattogram, Noakhali Laxmipur, Bhola, Patuakhali, Barishal, Feni, Chandpur, Barguna, Jhalakati, Khulna, Bagerhat and its offshore areas are likely to be inundated by five feet to seven feet high storm surge due to the cyclone Bulbul and Moon phase said Abdul Hamid, a meteorologist of Bangladesh Meteorological Department this evening. Cyclonic storm Bulbul is anticipated to hit Bangladesh tomorrow evening, an official of Bangladesh Meteorological Department said.

“The cyclone was still 700 kilometres away from country’s coastal region and was advancing towards Bangladesh and India’s West-Bengal the last time we checked,” Abdur Rahman said that around 1000 hrs (local time), the time of filing of the report. We have kept the cyclonic storm’s nature of motion under observation, the meteorologist added. Meanwhile, maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to lower local cautionary signal number three but instead hoist local warning signal number four.

The severe cyclonic storm Bulbul over the west-central bay and adjoining east-central bay moved north-northwestwards over the same area at 0600 hrs on Friday. It was centred about 760 km southwest of Chattogram port, 710 km southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 665 km southwest of Mongla port and 650 km southwest of Payraport, the Met office said in a special weather bulletin.

It is likely to intensify further and move in a north-northwesterly direction. Under the peripheral influence of the severe cyclonic storm Bulbul, gusty/squally weather may affect the maritime ports, North Bay and coastal areas of Bangladesh

The maximum sustained wind speed within 64 kms of the severe cyclone centre is about 90 kph rising to 110 kph in gusts or squalls. The sea will remain very high near the severe cyclone centre, the Met Office added. All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay have been advised to take shelter immediately and remain in shelter till further notice.