Coastal belts may flood as cyclone 'Dana' nears

Tidal surge may inundate 14 coastal districts of Bangladesh due to the influence of severe cyclonic storm 'Dana' which is expected to make landfall in north Odisha-West Bengal coast of India between Puri and Sagar Island around midnight on Thursday.

"Under the peripheral effect of the severe Cyclonic storm and steep pressure gradient, the low-lying areas of coastal districts of Satkhira, Khulna, Bagerhat, Barguna, Barishal, Jhalakathi, Pirojpur, Patuakhali, Bhola, Laxmipur, Noakhali, Feni, Chattogram and Cox's Bazar and their offshore island and chars are likely to be inundated by the wind driven surge of 2-3 feet height above normal astronomical tide," said a Met office bulletin.

According to the Met office bulletin, 'Dana' over Northwest Bay and adjoining area moved North-Northwestwards, now lies over the same area. It was centered at 06 pm today about 555 kms Southwest of Chattogram port, 540 kms Southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 385 kms Southwest of Mongla port and 405 kms southwest of Payra port.
 
Under the peripheral effect of the severe cyclonic Storm, heavy (44-88 mm) to very heavy (>89mm) rainfall with gusty/squally'wind may drench over North Bay, offshore islands, chars and coastal areas of Bangladesh.

Maximum sustained wind speed within 64 km of the Severe Cyclone Centre is about 90 kph rising to 110 kph in gusts or squalls. Sea will remain high near the system centre.
 
Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to hoist local cautionary signal no three.
 
 All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice.