Cyclone Ashani: No Possibility of Its Imapct on Bangladesh

The depression over north Andaman Sea and adjoining southeast bay has turned into a deep depression. It will turn into a cyclonic storm on Monday (March 21) midnight being intensified and moving towards northeast direction, reports media. 

It was centered at 6:00pm on Monday about 1120 km south of Chattogram Port, 930km south of Cox's Bazar Sea Port, 1,115 km south-southeast of Mongla Port and 1,040 km south-southeast of Payra Port.

It is likely to turn into a cyclonic storm 'Ashani' at midnight moving to north or northeastern direction.

Indian Meterological Department (IMD) forecasts that the cyclone 'Ashani' will cross the Myanmar coast early Wedesday (March 23) morning moving through Andaman Islands.

However, there is no possibility of its impact on Bangladesh coast, said meterologist Abdul Mannan on Monday.

He said the cyclonic storm might become weaker before crossing the Myanmar coast. "So, there is no possibility of its impact on Bangladesh coast," he said.

However, sea remains rough under the influence of deep depression centre.

Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted distant cautionary Signal Number One.

Besides, all fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution.

They are also advised not to venture into the deep sea.

Maximum sustained wind speed within 48 kms of deep depression centre is about 50 kph rising to 60 kph in gusts or squalls.