Cyclone Yaas: Maritime Ports Asked to Hoist Signal 2

A deep depression over the east-central Bay of Bengal and surrounding areas has passed west-northwest and concentrated into Cyclone Yaas, prompting the maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla, and Payra to raise distant warning signal number two. By Wednesday, Cyclone Yaas is expected to intensify further and hit the coasts of Orissa and West Bengal in India, as well as Khulna in Bangladesh.

The storm was centered about 675 km south-southwest of Chattogram port, 605 km south-southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 605 km south of Pyra port and 650 km south of Mongla port at 6 am on Monday, said Senior Meteorologist Abdur Rahman Khan.

According to Meteorologist Shahnaz Sultana, Cyclone Yaas could intensify further and move north-northwest.

The cyclone is called Yaas, according to the WMO/ESCAP (World Meteorological Organization/United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific) list. Oman came up with the name.

Within 54 km of the cyclone center, the highest sustained wind speed is about 62 kph, with gusts and squalls reaching 88 kph. Near the cyclone's core, the sea will be very rough.

Over the North Bay and deep sea, both fishing boats and trawlers have been advised to stay close to the coast and proceed with caution. They should also avoid diving into the deep sea.