Maritime ports asked to hoist distant warning signal 2

Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla, and Payra have been advised to lower distant cautionary signal number 1 and instead hoist distant warning signal 2 as the depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining area moved north-northwestwards and intensified into cyclonic storm "Mocha" over the same area.

At 6:00am today, it was centered about 1,295km south-southwest of Chattogram port, 1,220km south-southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 1,265km south-southwest of Mongla port, and 1,225km south-southwest of Payra port.

It is likely to intensify further and move in a north-northwesterly direction till tomorrow. Thereafter, it is likely to recurve gradually and move north-northwestwards.

Maximum sustained wind speed within 54km of the cyclone centre is about 62kph rising to 88kph in gusts or squalls.

Sea will remain very rough near the cyclone centre.

All fishing boats and trawlers over the north Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution due to Cyclone Mocha. They are also advised not to venture into the deep sea.