Cox's Bazar, Oct  23  (V7N) — A deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has intensified, prompting a warning from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department. As of midnight Tuesday, the depression is located approximately 650 km south-southwest of Cox's Bazar sea port and 725 km south-southwest of Chittagong sea port. The system is expected to move further west-northwest and potentially develop into a cyclonic storm.

According to a special bulletin issued by the Meteorological Office at 1 PM on Tuesday, the depression is also positioned 730 km south-southeast of Mongla sea port and 680 km south-southeast of Payra sea port. The maximum sustained wind speed near the center of the depression is 50 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 60 km/h. The sea in the affected areas is reported to be rough.

As a precaution, authorities have instructed Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Mongla, and Payra sea ports to hoist remote warning signal number 1. The warning advises fishing boats and small vessels to stay close to the coast and be prepared to seek shelter at short notice.

The Meteorological Department is closely monitoring the situation and will issue updates as the depression progresses, especially if it intensifies into a cyclonic storm.

END/SHM/AJ