The deep depression over the southeast and southwest Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclone named “Montha.” It is currently located over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjacent areas.
According to a special weather bulletin issued by the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) on Monday (October 27) morning, the cyclone was positioned about 1,360 km southwest of Chattogram seaport, 1,300 km southwest of Cox’s Bazar, 1,280 km southwest of Mongla, and 1,260 km southwest of Payra seaport at 3 a.m. on October 27.
The bulletin stated that the system is likely to move further west-northwestward and intensify. It may cross the Andhra Pradesh coast of India by the evening or night of October 28.
Within 54 km of the cyclone’s center, the maximum sustained wind speed is about 62 km per hour, rising to 88 km per hour in gusts or squalls. The sea near the cyclone center is very rough.
The BMD has replaced Signal No. 1 with Distant Cautionary Signal No. 2 for all maritime ports — Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra.
All fishing boats and trawlers in the North Bay have been advised to stay close to the coast and proceed with caution and have been strictly prohibited from venturing into the deep sea until further notice.