The cyclonic storm “Remal” over the northwest bay and adjoining area moved northwards and intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm over the same area.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) said this in a latest special weather bulletin on Sunday.

BMD advised maritime ports of Payra and Mongla to keep hoisted great danger signal number ten while it issued nine for Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar.

It said the cyclonic storm was centered at 6pm about 400 kms southwest of Chattogram port, 360 kms south-southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 330 kms south of Mongla port and 295 kms south of Payra port. It is likely to intensify further and move northwards.  It is likely to move in a northerly direction and may cross the Sagar Island and Khepupara coasts of West Bengal near Mongla by this evening to midnight.

Under the peripheral effect of the severe cyclonic rain with gusty wind has started over coasteal regions of Bangladesh.

Maximum sustained wind speed within 64 kms of the severe cyclone centre is about 90 kph rising to 120 kph in gusts/squalls. Sea will remain high near the severe cyclonic centre.

The coastal districts of Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Jhalokhati, Borguna, Bairshal, Bhola, Patuakhali and their offshore Islans and chars will come under great danger singal number ten.

Under the peripheral effect of the cyclone and steep pressure gradient, the low- lying areas of the coastal districts of Satkhira, Khulna, Bagherhat, Pirojpur, Jhalokhati, Borguna, Bhola, Patuakhali, Barishal, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Cumilla, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by wind driven surge of 8-12 feet height above normal astronomical tide.

Under the influence of the cyclone Rajshahi, Rangpur, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions are likely to be experienced of heavy to very heavy rainfall with gusty/squally wind.

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