Cyclone Bulbul may hit Bangladesh tomorrow at any time

“The exact time when Bulbul will strike cannot be said now, but it may hit Bangladesh anytime between Saturday and Sunday,” Meteorologist Abdur Rahman told The Daily Star Online.

“Bulbul” was still 700 kilimetres away from the Bangladeshi coast and was advancing towards Bangladesh and India’s West-Bengal, Abdur Rahman said around 10:00am, the time of filing of the report.

“We have kept the cyclonic storm’s nature of motion under observation,” the meteorologist added.

Meanwhile, maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted local cautionary signal no. three, according to a bulletin of Bangladesh Meteorological Department.

“Bulbul was over east-central bay and adjoining area, moved north-northwestwards over the same area (lat. 15.6°n, long. 88.5°e) and was centred at 06 pm about 820 km south-southwest of Chattogram port, 755 km south-southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 770 km south of Mongla port and 740 km south of Payra port,” the bulletin said.

It was likely to intensify further and move in a north-northwesterly direction, the notice said.

Under the pheripheral influence of the storm, gusty/squally wind may affect the maritime ports, north bay and coastal areas of Bangladesh, it mentioned.

Maximum sustained wind speed within 54 kms of the cyclone centre was about 62 kph rising to 88 kph in gusts/squalls. Sea also remained very rough near the cyclone centre.

All fishing boats and trawlers over north bay have been advised to take shelter immediately and remain in shelter till further notice, said the bulletin.