Maritime ports of Chittagong, Cox’s bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted distant warning signal number two as a depression formed in the East Bay of Bengal has intensified into a tropical cyclone named Maarutha early today.

The depression has been centered over the East-Central Bay of Bengal, according to a Met office report.

The cyclonic storm “Maarutha” moved further north-northeastwards and was centered over the East-Central Bay of Bengal at 12:05pm today, the Met office report said.

The centre of the storm was situated about about 590km south of Chittagong port, 505km south of Cox’s bazar port, 705km south-southeast of Mongla port and 620km south-southeast of Payra port. 

It is likely to intensify further and move in a north-northeasterly direction, the bulletin said.

All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay and the deep sea have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution till further notice so that they can take shelter immediately.