A deep depression over the northern Andaman Sea and adjoining Myanmar coast has prompted Bangladesh to raise the maritime warning level at two of its sea ports, as rough conditions continue in the Bay of Bengal.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department said in a special bulletin issued on Tuesday (29 September) that the system was moving north-north-westwards after forming over the northern Andaman Sea and neighbouring coastal areas of Myanmar. At midnight on Monday (28 September), the system was still positioned in the same general area.
According to the bulletin, the deep depression was expected to move further north-north-westwards and could cross the coast over Myanmar and the Kyaikto area within the following two to three hours. The system was generating sustained winds of up to 50 kilometres per hour within a radius of 48 kilometres from its centre. Gusts or squally winds could reach speeds of around 60 kilometres per hour.
The weather system has also made the sea rough in areas close to its centre. In response, changes have been made to the warning signals for Bangladesh’s maritime ports.
Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar ports have been asked to display local warning signal No. 3, replacing the earlier distant warning signal No. 1. The Mongla and Payra ports were also mentioned in the latest bulletin in connection with the maritime warning arrangements.
The meteorological authorities have issued a separate caution for fishing vessels operating in the northern Bay of Bengal. Fishing boats and trawlers currently in the area have been advised not to venture into the deep sea or the northern parts of the Bay until further instructions are issued.
The development comes shortly after another low-pressure system had affected the Andaman Sea region, leaving maritime conditions unsettled. The formation of another system in the same broad area has therefore kept authorities alert to further changes in wind and sea conditions.
For fishing communities and other vessels operating in the Bay, rough seas and sudden squally winds can create hazardous conditions, particularly for smaller craft. The latest restriction is intended to keep fishing boats and trawlers away from areas where conditions may deteriorate while the deep depression moves towards the Myanmar coast.
The meteorological authorities are expected to continue monitoring the system as it progresses north-north-westwards. Any change in its position, strength or impact on the Bay of Bengal could lead to further updates to the maritime warnings.
