Yaas intensifies into severe cyclonic Storm

The cyclonic storm Yaas lying over the east central bay and adjoining areas has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm. According to the special weather bulletin issued by the Bangladesh Meteorological department, the storm lies about 575 kms south-southwest of Chattogram port, 520 kms south-southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 515 kms south-southwest of Mongla port and 480 kms south-southwest of Payra port.

The severe cyclonic storm is likely to intensify further due to favourable atmospheric conditions and move in a north-northwesterly direction. It may reach the northwest bay on Thursday, 26 May early morning.

The maximum wind speed within 64 kms of the severe cyclone centre is about 89 kmph rising to 117 kmph in gusts/squall. Maritime ports of Bangladesh at Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted distant warning signal number 2.

The fishing boats and trawlers over north bay and deep sea have been advised to take shelter till further notice. Director of Bangladesh Meteorological Department Shamsuddin Ahmad has said that the center of the cyclone ‘Yaas’ is unlikely to cross the Bangladesh coast if the current cours of the cyclone continues, reports the official news agency BSS.

However, coastal districts like Khulna, Satkhira and Bagerhat, Mongla Port Authority, Bangladesh Navy, Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) of Mongla West Zone are making preparations to face the cyclone if it hits the Bangladesh coast.

Over 3,000 cyclone shelter centers are being prepared for shifting over five lakh coastal people. Around 200 medical teams in Khulna, Bagerhat and Satkhira coastal districts have been formed.

In Chattogram over 511 cyclone shelters have already been set up. The local administration has prepared a sufficient number of cyclone shelters and formed medical teams to deal with the situation arising out of the cyclone.