A deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm named ‘Montha’, prompting authorities to advise caution for maritime operations.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department confirmed the development in a special weather bulletin signed by meteorologist AKM Nazmul Haque on Monday morning.
Montha, a name suggested by Thailand meaning a fragrant or beautiful flower, was located over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining southeast Bay areas at 3am Monday.
The storm centre was positioned 1,360 kilometres southwest of Chattogram port, 1,300 kilometres southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 1,280 kilometres southwest of Mongla port and 1,260 kilometres southwest of Payra port.
The met office bulletin warned that the cyclone may continue moving west-northwest and intensify further, before making landfall on the coast of India’s Andhra Pradesh by Tuesday evening or night.
Wind speeds near the cyclone centre have reached up to 62 kilometres per hour, rising to 88 kilometres per hour in gusts, while the sea remains very rough around the system.
Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to hoist distant cautionary signal No. 2.
All fishing boats and trawlers operating in the north Bay have been instructed to remain close to shore and navigate with caution until further notice, and to avoid deep-sea areas.
Meanwhile, according to Indian Met office forecast, the low‐pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm by October 27, and make landfall along the coast of Andhra Pradesh between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Kakinada on the evening or night of October 28.
The Indian weathermen cautioned that the coastal districts are expected to face extremely heavy rainfall, strong gusty winds and very rough seas during this period.
