Deep Depression Intensifies 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 early today by the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).

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

The cyclonic storm is expected to move further west-northwestwards and intensify into a severe cyclonic storm, the Met Office added. It may cross India’s Andhra Pradesh coast by Tuesday evening or night.

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

In response, 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 instructed not to venture into the deep sea, the BMD added.