Bangladesh
Cyclone Ashani Deep depression in Bay of Bengal, can turn into a cyclone
Own Correspondent, Dhaka, March 21: A deep depression has formed over north Andaman Sea and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal. It is still more than 1,000 km away from the coast of Bangladesh. It moved nearly northwards with a speed of 13 kmph during last six hours. The deep depression is likely to intensify further into a cyclonic storm (Cyclone Ashani) during next 12 hours.
For this, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department has maintained remote warning signal No. 1 in Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra seaports. However, meteorologists have said that there is no fear of any impact of 'Ashani' in Bangladesh. It will be much weaker in the sea, then it can cross the coast of Myanmar.
On Monday (March 21) morning, meteorologist Muhammad Abul Kalam Mallick said that the depression in the North Andaman Sea and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal has moved north-northeast and condensed into deep depression in the same area.
It lay centered 1,150 km south of Chittagong seaport, 1,060 km south of Cox's Bazar seaport, 1,240 km south and south-east of Mongla seaport and 1,165 km south and south-east of Payra seaport at 6 am on Monday.
He added, "It could move further north and northeast and intensify into a cyclonic storm during the next 12 hours. Within 48 kilometers of the centre of the deep depression, the maximum continuous wind speed is 50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph."
The sea is moderately rough near the centre of the deep depression. He said Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra seaports have been asked to display remote warning signal number 1.
Fishing boats and trawlers stationed in the North Bay of Bengal have been asked to proceed cautiously staying near the coast. They have also been directed not to go to the deep sea.
