'Bulbul' likely to hit Sunderbans at midnight

The very severe cyclonic storm 'Bulbul' over Northwest Bay and adjoining area moved north-northeastwards at a speed of about 15 kph and now lies over the same area.

It was centred at 3 pm on Saturday about 445 km west-southwest of Chattogram port, 445 km west-southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 240 km southwest of Mongla port and 275 km southwest of Payra port. 

It is likely to move in a north/northeasterly direction and may cross West Bengal-Khulna coast (near Sunderbans) by this evening/midnight tonight (November 9, 2019), according to special weather bulletin of Bangladesh Meteorological Department issued on Saturday afternoon. 

Its peripheral gusty/squally wind is affecting the coastal areas of Bangladesh.

Maximum sustained wind speed within 74 kms of the very severe cyclone centre is about 120 kph rising to 140 kph in gusts/squalls. Sea will remain very high near the very severe cyclone centre.

Maritime ports of Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted great danger signal no. ten. 

Coastal districts of Bhola, Borguna, Patuakhali, Barishal, Pirozpur, Jhalokathi, Bagherhat, Khulna, Satkhira and their offshore

Islands and chars will come under great danger signal number ten.

Maritime port of chattogram has been advised to keep hoisted great danger signal no. nine. 

Coastal districts of Chattogram, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur and their offshore islands and chars will come under great danger signal number nine.

Maritime port of Cox’s Bazar has been advised to keep hoisted local warning signal number four.

The coastal districts of Khulna, Satkhira, Chattogram, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Borguna, Patuakhali, Barisal, Bhola,Pirozpur, Jhalokathi, Bagerhat and their offshore islands and chars are likely to experience wind speed up to 100-120 kph in gusts/ squalls with heavy to very heavy falls during the passage of the storm.

Under the influence of the very severe cyclonic storm 'bulbul' and the moon phase, the low-lying areas of the coastal districts of Chattogram, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Borguna, Bhola, Patuakhali, Barishal, Pirozpur, Jhalokathi, Bagherhat, Khulna, Satkhira and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by storm surge of 5-7 feet height above normal astronomical tide.

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