Bangladesh
Cyclone Asani Asani intensifies into Severe Cyclonic Storm, Distant Warning Signal 2 hoisted
Own Correspondent, Dhaka, May 9: Asani has intensified into a Severe Cyclonic Storm. In this situation, Distant Warning Signal No. 2 (DW 2) has been hoisted at all ports of Bangladesh.
At the centre of the storm, the maximum sustained wind speed is 89 kmph, increasing to 117 kmph in the form of gusty winds.
A special weather forecast issued on Sunday (May 8) night stated that Cyclone 'Asani' located in the southeastern Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas has moved north-west and intensified into a Severe Cyclonic Storm in the southeastern Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas.
It was located 1,190 km south and southwest of Chittagong seaport, 1,115 km south and southwest of Cox's Bazar seaport, 1,160 km south of Mongla seaport and 1,120 km south of Payra seaport at 6 pm on Sunday. It may become more concentrated and move north-west.
The statement further said that the maximum sustained wind speed within 64 kms of the tropical cyclone is 89 kmph, which is increasing to 117 kmph in the form of gusts or gusty winds. The sea is very rough near the epicentre of the cyclone.
It said Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra seaports have been asked to keep Distant Warning Signal No. 2 (DW 2) hoisted. All fishing boats and trawlers stationed in the north Bay of Bengal have been asked to proceed cautiously from near the coast. At the same time they have been told not to wander in the deep sea.
Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department said in its latest bulletin that cyclone Ashani was moving north-west at a speed of 16 kmph. The Severe Cyclonic Storm could remain over the Bay of Bengal until May 10. The tropical cyclone is mainly moving towards the coast of northern Andhra Pradesh and Odisha in India. It may weaken on May 11 and turn into a cyclone and then into a deep depression on May 12.
