Cyclone Remal continues with force, set to weaken by morning: Meteorologist
Rain with strong winds is expected in different parts of the country till Tuesday
Cyclone Remal is expected to cross the coast with continued speed and gradually weaken by Monday (27 May) morning, said Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) Meteorologist Abul Kalam Mallik.
"The cyclone will continue for another 5-6 hours, maintaining its intensity. Cyclones usually weaken upon landfall, but Remal is moving slowly across the coast, maintaining its intensity. However, it is not as potent as previous cyclones Aila and Sidr," Mallik told the media.
Rain with strong winds is expected in different parts of the country till Tuesday, he said, adding that the temperature will also decrease in the meantime.
At a distance of 64 km from the cyclone centre, maximum sustained winds were measured at 90 km per hour, with gusts reaching up to 120 km per hour.
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As a precautionary measure, distress signals have been issued for coastal districts including Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Jhalakathi, Barguna, Barisal, Bhola, and Patuakhali, along with their nearby islands and chars.
The population in the affected regions is advised to remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols until the cyclone weakens.
In a weather bulletin, the BMD forecast 8-12 feet high tidal surges in the low-lying areas of the coastal districts of Khulna, Satkhira, Bbagherhat, Pirojpur, Jhalakhati, Barguna, Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Chattogram, Cox's Bazar and their offshore islands and chars during Remal's passage.
Under the influence of the cyclone, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions are likely to experience heavy (44-88 mm) to very heavy rainfall (289 mm) with gusty/squally wind, it said.
Due to very heavy rainfall, landslides may occur at places over the hilly regions of Cox's Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati, Khagrachari and Chattogram, it added.
Meanwhile, maritime ports of Payra and Mongla have been advised to keep hoisted great danger signal no-10.
Maritime ports of Cox's Bazar and Chattogram have been advised to keep hoisted great danger signal no-9.
All fishing boats and trawlers over north bay and deep sea have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice.
Earlier, Cyclone Remal made landfall on Bangladesh and started crossing the Khepupara coast on the southwest side of Mongla around 9pm Sunday (26 May).
