Deep depression intensified into Cyclone 'Montha': met office

The deep depression over the southeast Bay and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm named “Montha”, according to a special weather bulletin issued by the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) early today.

The storm was centered at 3:00 am today over the southwest Bay and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal (near latitude 11.7°N and longitude 85.5°E) about 1,360km southwest of Chattogram port, while 1,300km southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 1,280km southwest of Mongla port and 1,260km southwest of Payra port, it said.

The cyclonic storm is likely to move further west-northwestwards and intensify into a severe cyclonic storm, the met office bulletin said. 

It said that it may cross the coast of India’s Andhra Pradesh by Tuesday evening or night.

The maximum sustained wind speed within 54km of the cyclone centre is about 62 km per hour, rising to 88km per hour in gusts or squalls. The sea will remain very rough near the cyclone centre.

Following the development, the maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to lower distant cautionary signal number one and instead hoist distant warning signal number two.

All fishing boats and trawlers over the north Bay have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice. 

They have also been asked not to venture into the deep sea, added the BMD.