Cyclone Amphan may hit the Sundarbans
Amphan is located 345 km from of Mongla seaport and 370 km south-southwest of Payra seaport
Cyclone Amphan is heading towards Sundarbans coast. Heavy rains have been falling across the coast intermittently due to the impact of Amphan. The water level in the rivers of the Sundarbans coast has increased and waves above 10-15 feet are expected.
This has put the weak embankments at risk. The people of the coastal areas have become terrified and have already started going to cyclone shelters.
Meanwhile, Mongla and Payra seaports have been asked to hoist Great Danger Signal Number 10 at 6am on Wednesday. Coastal districts including Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira, Pirojpur, Barguna and their offshore islands and river islands will also be under the Great Danger Signal Number 10.
Khulna Meteorological Office Assistant Meteorologist Amirul Azad, said, "The weather bulletin at 9am said the cyclone Amphan is located 345 km away from of Mongla seaport and 370 km away south-southwest of Payra seaport. It is slowly advancing towards the Sundarbans coast. Amphan will reach Mongla port by 6 pm. It will cross the Sundarbans coast on Wednesday night."
"The water level in the rivers adjoining the Sundarbans has risen by three to three and a half feet above normal. It is feared that the low-lying areas may be inundated with tides with a height of 10-15 feet above normal," he added.
Amirul Azad also said that 28 mm of rain fell in Khulna from 1pm on Tuesday to 9am on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, 11 cargo ships, boats and tourist boards stationed at Mongla port have been safely evacuated, Mongla port authorities said.
Khulna Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Helal Hossain said 60,000 people in Khulna have already taken shelter.
Mongla Port Chairman Rear Admiral M Shahjahan said, "The port's cargo movement has been closed since Tuesday. Also, the stakeholders of the port have been evacuated to a safe place."
According to the local administration, the Mongla ferry terminal will be closed around 1.30 pm. Tidal waves have already started coming there.
About one lakh people have come to the one thousand shelters prepared in Bagerhat till 12 noon.