Depression intensifies

Influenced by a monsoon depression formed over the northwest Bay, low-lying areas of most coastal districts of the country are likely to be inundated by wind-driven surge of height 03-05 feet above normal astronomical tide during early morning today, Met office warned in a special bulletin yesterday afternoon.

"Under the influence of depression the low-lying areas of the coastal districts of Cox's Bazar, Chittagong, Noakhali, Feni, Laxmipur, Bhola, Barisal, Patuakhali, Barguna, Chandpur, Pirojpur, Jhalakati, Bagerhat, Khulna, Satkhira and their offshore inlands and chars are likely to be inundated by wind-driven surge at places over the coast," it said.

Reports reaching the UNB newsroom said the sea has been very rough due to squally wind under the influence of the depression over the Bay and its water level marked a rise by 02 to 04 feet above the normal astronomical tide.

Fishermen along with their trawlers were taking shelter in different costal areas, relinquishing their risky venture on high seas.

UNB Bagerhat correspondent reports: At least 25 fishermen went missing as four trawlers with 48 fishermen aboard capsized after they were caught by a violent storm in the Bay yesterday noon.

The missing fishermen hailed from Bagerhat, Barguna, Patuakhali and Bhola districts.

Survivors said the trawlers sank as they were hit by huge waves triggered by the storm while fishing at different points of the Bay.

Meanwhile, the Met office bulletin said, the well-marked low over the northwest Bay and adjoining area intensified into a monsoon depression over the same area.

It was centred about 495 km west-southwest of Chittagong port, 465 km west-southwest of Cox's Bazar port and 315 km southwest of Mongla port at 1:00pm yesterday.

"It is likely to intensify further and move in a northwesterly direction," the bulletin said.

Under its influence steep pressure gradient persists over north Bay. Squally weather may affect the maritime ports and the coastal regions of Bangladesh.

Maximum sustained wind speed within 44 km of the depression centre is about 40 kmph, rising to 50 kmph in gusts or squalls. Sea will remain moderate, said the Met office.

Maritime ports of Chittagong, Cox's Bazar and Mongla have been advised to keep hoisted local cautionary signal number three.

All fishing boats and trawlers over the north Bay have been advised to take shelter 'immediately' and remain in shelter until further notice.