Dhaka, Dec 20 (V7N)— The low-pressure area over the west-central Bay of Bengal has intensified into a depression, triggering rainfall in the southern parts of Bangladesh. In response, the Meteorological Department has instructed four seaports—Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Mongla, and Payra—to hoist Warning Signal Number 1.

Meteorologist Bazlur Rashid confirmed that the low pressure transformed into a depression on Friday evening.

According to a special weather bulletin, the depression was located approximately:

1,330 km southwest of Chittagong Seaport,

1,280 km southwest of Cox's Bazar Seaport,

1,195 km southwest of Mongla Seaport, and

1,200 km southwest of Payra Seaport.

The depression's maximum sustained wind speed near its centre was recorded at 40 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 50 km/h.

The Meteorological Department has advised fishing boats and trawlers in the North Bay of Bengal and adjacent deep-sea areas to remain cautious and stay close to the coast. They have also been warned not to venture into the deep sea until further notice.

This is the second low-pressure system to form in the Bay of Bengal this month, raising concerns about weather instability in the region.

END/MSS/AJ