Dhaka, Oct 24 (V7N)-  The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has issued a special weather advisory, warning of potential inundation in 14 coastal districts as Cyclone Dana intensifies in the Bay of Bengal. The advisory, released at noon on Thursday, highlights that the cyclone's front could cause high tides 2 to 3 feet above normal, leading to flooding in the coastal districts of Satkhira, Khulna, Bagerhat, Barguna, Barisal, Jhalkathi, Pirojpur, Patuakhali, Bhola, Laxmipur, Noakhali, Feni, Chittagong, and Cox's Bazar, along with the nearby islands and chars.

At noon today, Cyclone Dana was positioned approximately 570 km southwest of Chittagong seaport, 535 km southwest of Cox's Bazar seaport, and 435 km south-southwest of both Mongla and Payra seaports. The cyclone is forecasted to move further north-northwest, making landfall between Puri, Odisha, and Sagar Dwip, West Bengal, India, by midnight.

The advisory also warns of heavy to very heavy rainfall, with gusty winds expected over the North Bay of Bengal and the coastal regions of Bangladesh. Rainfall may exceed 89 mm in some areas, potentially worsening the flooding situation.

In light of the cyclone’s path, the ports of Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Mongla, and Payra have been instructed to hoist local warning signal number 3. Fishermen and trawler operators in the North Bay of Bengal and surrounding deep-sea areas have been urged to seek safe shelter until further notice.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have prepared for any necessary emergency responses to ensure public safety as the cyclone approaches landfall.

END/RH/AJ