Dhaka: The maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to hoist local warning signal No 4 as the very severe cyclonic storm “Fani” over the WestCentral Bay and adjoining area moved northwestwards further over the same area, reports the UNB.

It was centring at 12 noon on Wednesday about 1235 kms southwest of Chattogram port, 1190kms southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 1095 kms southwest of Mongla port and 1100 kms southwest of Payra port. 

The cyclone is likely to intensify further and move in a north/northwesterly direction, said a Met office special bulletin.

Maximum sustained wind speed within 74 kms of the storm centre is about 160 kph rising to 180 kph in gusts/squalls. Sea will remain very high near the cyclone centre.

The four maritime ports have been advised to lower distant warning signal No 2 but instead hoist local warning signal No 4.

All fishing boats and trawlers over the North Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution so that they can take shelter within a short notice. They have also been advised not to venture into the deep sea.