Depression forms over Bay of Bengal; signal no. 1 hoisted at four seaports

The well-marked low over the southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining area has intensified into a depression after gaining further strength. In a special weather bulletin on Sunday morning (15 November), the Storm Warning Centre of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department said it may move north and north-northwest and intensify further into a cyclonic storm.

According to the bulletin, at 6 am today the depression was located 1,950 kilometres southwest of Chattogram seaport, 1,900 kilometres southwest of Cox's Bazar seaport, 1,825 kilometres southwest of Payra seaport and 1,820 kilometres southwest of Mongla seaport.

According to the Meteorological Department, the maximum sustained wind speed within 44 kilometres of the depression centre is 40 kilometres per hour, rising to 50 kilometres per hour in gusts or squalls.

Under its influence, the sea has become rough near the depression centre.

In view of the situation, the four seaports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been asked to hoist distant warning signal number 1.

Fishing boats and trawlers in the north Bay of Bengal have also been advised to refrain from venturing into the deep sea until further instructions.

In addition, fishermen and operators of sea-going vessels have been urged to follow the government's updated weather information regularly in light of the changing weather situation and to follow safety advice.