A depression over the west-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining north-western waters has intensified into a deep depression, prompting continued caution at Bangladesh’s four seaports as rough seas and strong winds develop around the system.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department provided the update in its fourth special bulletin on the weather system.
According to the bulletin, the deep depression was located at around 9pm on Tuesday in the west-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining north-western Bay. At that time, it was approximately 875 kilometres south-west of Chattogram seaport, 850 kilometres south-west of Cox’s Bazar seaport, 695 kilometres south-west of Mongla seaport and 720 kilometres south-west of Payra seaport.
The system is forecast to move further west-north-westwards. Based on its projected track, it could cross the coast of northern Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha in India by around midnight on Wednesday.
Despite the system’s expected movement towards the Indian coast, its effects are being felt over the northern Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh. The Meteorological Department warned that strong winds could affect the country’s maritime zone and the areas around the seaports.
Conditions are particularly rough near the centre of the deep depression. Sustained winds within 48 kilometres of the centre are reaching speeds of up to 50 kilometres per hour, while gusts or squalls may raise wind speeds to around 60 kilometres per hour.
In response to the weather system, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra seaports have been instructed to keep local warning signal No. 3 hoisted.
The warning also applies to fishing activity in the northern Bay of Bengal. Fishing boats and trawlers operating in the area have been advised to remain close to the coast and navigate with caution until further notice.
Rough seas and sudden increases in wind speed can create difficult conditions for smaller fishing vessels, making the authorities’ instructions particularly relevant for boats operating in open waters. Vessel operators have been advised to remain alert to subsequent weather bulletins and follow official instructions as the system progresses.
The deep depression is currently expected to move away from Bangladesh towards the coast of eastern India. However, its associated winds and rough sea conditions may continue to affect the northern Bay and Bangladesh’s coastal belt while the system remains over the region.
For the time being, the three-number warning signal remains in force at all four of Bangladesh’s seaports. Fishing boats and trawlers in the northern Bay have also been asked to exercise caution and stay near the coast until further instructions are issued.
