Cyclone Remal quickly approaching coast, 200km away from Payra port
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Payra, Mongla ports advised to keep hoisted great danger signal No. 10
Cyclone Remal, located 200km south of Payra Port, is quickly approaching the coast, with its effects already being felt. The Meteorological Department predicts it may cross the coastline by Sunday evening.
On Saturday midnight, the storm's maximum wind speed was 62kph.
According to the Bangladesh Metrological Department, on Sunday afternoon at 12pm, the maximum sustained wind speed within 64 km of the severe cyclone centre is about 90 kph rising to 120 kph in gusts/squalls The sea will remain high near the severe cyclone centre.
The Indian Meteorological Department had earlier said that the wind speed could increase further, reaching up to 132kph when it hits the coast.
How far is Remal?
Cyclone Remal is accelerating and heading towards the coast; currently, the cyclone is about 335km southwest of Chittagong Port, 315km southwest of Cox's Bazar Port, 220km south of Mongla Port, and 200km south of Payra Port.
Under the peripheral effect of the severe cyclone, gusty/squally wind with rain is continuing over coastal regions of Bangladesh.
What does the increased signal mean?
Due to the rough sea, Payra and Mongla seaports have been advised to keep hoisted a great danger signal No. 10, and Cox's Bazar and Chittagong seaports a great danger signal No. 9.
Signal No. 9 means the port is experiencing a severe or maximum-intensity cyclonic storm with continuous maximum wind speeds of 89kph or more. The severe storm will cross the coast with the port on its right.
A signal No. 10 means the port is experiencing a severe or maximum intensity cyclonic storm with continuous maximum wind speeds of 89kph or more, and the severe storm will cross the coast over or near the port.
What does the meteorologist say?
Meteorologist Abul Kalam Mallik told media that gusty winds are sweeping across coastal areas due to the leading edge of Cyclone Remal. This is causing rain and strong winds over several districts including Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira, and Barguna.
He also said: “Due to the large diameter of the storm, it may start crossing the coast by evening and could fully cross by night. The speed of the storm is increasing up to 120kph in gusts. If the speed exceeds this, we refer to it as a very severe cyclonic storm. It is not yet certain whether Remal will intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm.”