The Meteorological Department on Tuesday warned that Cyclone Yaas could intensify and move north-northwest and cross the northern Orissa-West Bengal coast by noon on Wednesday.
The coastal districts of Bangladesh may face heavy rains and flooding during the passage of Cyclone Yaas.
The government has taken all-out preparedness to deal with cyclone ‘Yaas’. Ensuring the health guidelines, shelter centres have been prepared to address cyclone Yaas amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a handout said on Tuesday.
The Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief said the government is ready to take cent percent people of vulnerable areas to the shelter centres to minimise the losses from the cyclone.
As a result, Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra seaports have been asked to display remote warning signal number 3. All fishing trawlers and boats in the North Bay and the deep sea have been asked to remain in safe shelter until further notice.
According to meteorological reports, the cyclone was moving towards the coast at a speed of 21 kilometers per hour. It has the potential to turn into a super cyclone. The wind speed can increase from 185 to 190 kilometers per hour. Cyclone Yaas was just 450 kilometers off the coast.
It is learnt that the cyclone could cross the coasts of North Orissa and West Bengal. Heavy to very heavy rainfall may occur in the surrounding areas including 14 districts of the country during the crossing. At the same time, due to the full moon today, the height of the tidal water may be 2-4 feet higher than normal. As a result, there is a risk of flooding in the coastal areas as well.
As the cyclone Yaas has been reported to be getting stronger, all types of water transport and shipping activities across the country have been declared closed. The BIWTA made the announcement on Tuesday afternoon.
Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra seaports have been asked to lower the remote warning signal No. 2 and hoist local warning signal No. 3.
This information was given by the Meteorological Department in the special bulletin number 12 related to Yaas on Tuesday afternoon.
On Monday, cyclone Yaas affected all parts of the country except Kutubdia in Cox's Bazar. The highest rainfall was 130 mm in Sandwip. However, the capital experienced a rainfall recorded at 36 mm.
The meteorological reports suggest that in the current couple of days most parts of the country may experience temporary thunderstorms. This may reduce the day temperature by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius.
Due to the effects of the cyclone, most parts of Dhaka, Khulna, Barisal, Rajshahi and Chittagong divisions and many places in Rangpur, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions may experience temporary gusts or thundershowers. At the same time, there may be moderate to heavy rain in some parts of the country.
Mild to moderate heat waves currently prevailing over Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barisal, Chittagong and Sylhet divisions may subside. Daytime temperature across the country could drop by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius and nighttime temperature could drop slightly.