DHAKA, Nov 10, 2019 (BSS) – The severe cyclonic storm ‘Bulbul’ started
crossing the southwestern Bangladesh coastlines packing winds up to 100
kilometres per hour early today as it completed crossing West-Bengal-Khulna
coast near Sundarbans.
“The cyclonic storm “Bulbul” appeared weaken and it is now crossing
coastal districts of the country with a wind speed ranging from 80kph to
100kph,” Dr Abul Kalam Mallik, an official of Bangladesh Meteorological
Department (BMD) told BSS.
The Sundarban has protected coastal districts of Bangladesh from the wrath
of the tropical cyclone, he said, adding that “The mangrove forest has acted
as a buffer to save coastlines of the country. Otherwise costal districts
would have been severely affected by the cyclone Bulbul.”
After completing crossing West Bengal-Khulna coast (near Sundarbans), the
forward peripheral of the cyclone hit Bangladesh coastlines at around 5 this
morning, Mallik said.
The wind velocity of the cyclone varies in different coastal districts
during its crossing, he said.
Under the influence of the cyclonic storm, the costal district is
experiencing heavy rainfall inundating low-lying areas, the met official
said, adding other parts of the country may witness rainfall until the
crossing of storm is completed.
The coast-crossing-severe-cyclonic-storm ‘bulbul’ moved slowly
northeastwards and completed crossing west Bengal-Khulna coast near
sundarbans at about 5 am this morning and now lies over khulna and adjoining
southwestern part of Bangladesh, a Met Office weather bulletin said.
“It is likely to move in a northeasterly direction and weaken gradually.
Under its influence sea will remain very rough near the severe cyclone
centre,” it said.
Maritime ports of Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisting
great danger signal no 10 while coastal districts of Bhola, Borguna,
Patuakhali, Barishal, Pirozpur, Jhalokathi, Bagherhat, Khulna, Satkhira and
their offshore islands and chars will also come under this great danger
warning.
Maritime port of Chattogram has been advised to keep hoisting great danger
signal no nine as coastal districts of Chattogram, Noakhali, Laximipur, Feni,
Chandpur and their offshore islands and chars have came under the cautionary.
Besides, local warning signal number four has remained in place for
maritime port of Cox’s Bazar.
The coastal districts of Khulna, Satkhira, Chattogram, Noakhali,
Laximipur, Feni, Chandpur, Borguna, Patuakhali, Barisal, Bhola, Pirozpur,
Jhalokathi, Bagerhat and their offshore islands and chars are likely to
experience wind speed up to 80-100 kph in gusts/ squalls with heavy to very
heavy falls during the passage of the storm.
Under the influence of the very severe cyclonic storm “bulbul” and the
moon phase, the low-lying areas of the coastal districts of Chattogram,
Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Borguna, Bhola, Patuakhali, Barishal,
Pirozpur, Jhalokathi, Bagherhat, Khulna, Satkhira and their offshore islands
and chars are likely to be inundated by storm surge of 5-7 feet height above
normal astronomical tide.
All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay have been advised to remain
in shelter till further notice.