Dhaka: The very severe cyclonic storm ‘fani’ (pronunciation: Foni) over coastal Odisha and adjoining northwest Bay moved north-northeastwards, weakened further and lies over the same area (near lat. 21.3°n, long. 86.1°e) as a severe cyclonic storm at 06 pm today (03 may 2019) and was about 410 km southwest of Mongla Port, 475 km southwest of Payra Port, 650 km west of Cox’s Bazar port and 640 km west of Chattogram Port.

It is likely to move in a north-northeasterly direction further over Odisha-West Bengal coastal area, reach Khulna and adjoining southwestern part of Bangladesh during midnight tonight to morning of 04 may 2019, reports bmd.gov.bd.

Khulna and adjoining southwestern coastal region of Bangladesh has been experiencing the peripheral effect of the very severe cyclonic storm ‘Fani’ from morning of Friday.

Maximum sustained wind speed within 74kms of the storm centre is about 140kph rising to 160kph in gusts/ squalls. Sea will remain very high near the cyclone centre. Maritime ports of Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted danger signal number seven. coastal districts of Bhola, Borguna,

Patuakhali, Barishal, Pirozpur, Jhalokathi, Bagherhat, Khulna, Satkhira and their offshore islands and chars will come under danger signal number seven.

Maritime port of Chattogram has been advised to keep hoisted danger signal nubmer six. Coastal districts of Chattogram, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Feni, Chandpur and their offshore islands and chars will come under danger signal number six.

Maritime port of cox’s bazar has been advised to keep hoisted local warning signal number four.

Under the influence of the very severe cyclonic storm ‘Fani’ and the new moon phase, the low-lying areas of the coastal districts of Chattogram, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, 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 4-5 feet height above normal astronomical tide.

All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice.