A low-pressure area is likely to form over the southeast Bay of Bengal adjoining the south Andaman Sea around tomorrow (Monday) and it is likely to intensify into a depression over the Bay of Bengal around November 29, Bangladesh and India Meteorological Departments forecast.
It is likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal around November 29, 2023. Earlier on November 7 the cyclonic storm ‘Midhili’ swept over Barishal, Khulna, and Chattogram leaving a trail of devastation and killing at least seven people despite all-out measures taken by the government.
Rain triggered by cyclone Midhili has also damaged hundreds of hectares of transplanted Aman crops in different coastal districts. The cyclonic storm also destroyed houses and educational institutions and cut off power connections across the regions. It also uprooted a large number of trees in various areas. The coastal districts of Cox's Bazar, Chattogram, Feni, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Chandpur, Bhola and their islands and chars are always the worst suffers of any cyclonic storm and tidal surge. Under the peripheral effect of cyclone and steep pressure gradient, the low-lying areas of the coastal districts of Feni, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Chandpur, Bhola and their offshore islands and chars were inundated by the wind driven surge height of 05-07 feet above normal astronomical tide during the storm in the past.
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Besides, due to very heavy rainfall landslide also occurred at places over the hilly regions of Cox's Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati, Khagrachari and Chattogram.
So, the government will have to take all the necessary preparations at all levels to face any cyclonic storm or natural disaster in advance. All the shelters in coastal areas, including Chattogram and Cox's Bazar should remain prepared.
Concerned ministries and other stakeholders will also have to take initiatives following the standing orders on disaster (SOD) to deal with the damage. All concerned government officials including deputy commissioners upazila nirbahi officers, upazila and union parishad chairmen, members and volunteers of different organisations, including Red Crescent Society, will also have to take all out preparations in advance in the coastal belts.
Besides, local lawmakers will also have to work hard to protect the people and their properties at the respective constituencies from the possible impact of the storm. The ministry of disaster management and relief will also have to maintain constant communication with local administration and potentially vulnerable districts in order to take preparation in advance.