The leading edge of the powerful Cyclone Rimal has started hitting the coastal regions, causing continuous rain and gusty winds.
From 6 PM, over the next three to four hours, Cyclone Rimal’s center might move onto the mainland after causing havoc. The center of the cyclone holds immense power.
The Meteorological Office forecasted this on Sunday (May 26).
Meteorologist Md. Omar Farooq stated that the powerful Cyclone Rimal, situated over the northwest Bay of Bengal and its adjacent areas, is moving northwards while remaining in the same area. At 12 PM today, it was located 335 km southwest of Chattogram seaport, 315 km southwest of Cox’s Bazar seaport, 220 km south of Mongla seaport, and 200 km south of Payra seaport. Due to the impact of the cyclone’s front, the coastal regions of Bangladesh are experiencing continuous rain and gusty winds.
It may move further north and cross the Sagardwip (West Bengal) – Khepupara coast near Mongla between 6 PM and the next three to four hours today. After the center of the powerful cyclone crosses, its lower part will continue to move.
Within 64 km of the cyclone’s center, the maximum sustained wind speed is 90 km/h, increasing to 120 km/h in gusts or squalls. The sea is very rough near the center of the powerful cyclone.
In this situation, Payra and Mongla seaports have been advised to hoist great danger signal number 10 (ten), and coastal districts Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Jhalakathi, Barguna, Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali, and their nearby islands and chars will remain under great danger signal number 10 (ten).
Additionally, Cox’s Bazar and Chattogram seaports have been advised to hoist great danger signal number 9 (nine), and coastal districts Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Feni, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Chandpur, and their nearby islands and chars will remain under great danger signal number 9 (nine).
Meanwhile, river ports in the districts of Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Jhalakathi, Barguna, Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Feni, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Chandpur, Chattogram, and Cox’s Bazar have been advised to hoist riverine danger signal number 4 (four).
Due to the impact of the cyclone’s leading edge and the difference in air pressure, the low-lying areas of the coastal districts Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Jhalakathi, Barguna, Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Feni, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Chandpur, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, and their nearby islands and chars may be inundated by storm surges 8-12 feet higher than the normal tide.
Due to the cyclone, there may be heavy (44-88 mm/24 hours) to very heavy (289 mm/24 hours) rainfall accompanied by gusty/squally winds in the divisions of Rajshahi, Rangpur, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet. Landslides may occur in some places of the hilly regions of Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati, Khagrachhari, and Chattogram due to the very heavy rainfall.
Meanwhile, fishing boats and trawlers in the North Bay of Bengal and deep sea have been advised to remain in safe shelter until further notice.
