Maritime Ports on Alert as Low-Pressure System Develops in Bay of Bengal

 

By Staff Correspondent
Date: May 28, 2025
Location: Dhaka

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has issued a local cautionary signal No. 3 for all maritime ports in the country after a low-pressure area formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal and its adjoining coastal regions on Tuesday morning.

According to the latest advisory from the BMD, the low-pressure system has intensified slightly and may cause squally weather in coastal areas and the maritime zones of Bangladesh. The ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra have all been instructed to hoist the warning signal to alert ships, trawlers, and maritime installations.

🌊 Sea Conditions Expected to Worsen

The meteorological department warned that under the influence of the low, deep convection is occurring over the Bay, and the sea may become rough in the coming 48 hours. Fishermen and small marine craft are strongly advised not to venture into the deep sea during this period.

Local meteorologist Shah Kamal explained, “The current pressure system is not yet a cyclone, but we are closely monitoring its development. Sudden intensification is possible, especially with elevated surface temperatures over the Bay.”

🚢 Port Authorities Heighten Preparedness

In response to the alert, port authorities have activated emergency protocols. The Chattogram Port Authority has begun securing cargo and suspending container loading operations at its outer anchorage.

“We are maintaining contact with all inbound and outbound vessels and have advised anchorage until further notice,” said Commodore Mohammad Zulfikar Ali, chairman of the Chattogram Port Authority.

The Mongla Port Authority has also deployed additional patrol vessels to assist fishing trawlers and smaller boats in returning to safe harbors.

🏝 Coastal Areas on Watch

The Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief has instructed upazila administrations in coastal districts like Satkhira, Barguna, Bhola, and Noakhali to be on alert. Emergency shelters are being kept ready, and Union Disaster Committees have been asked to stay on standby.

“In past incidents, such pressure systems have led to flash flooding and river erosion,” said Ahmed Reza, a field officer from the Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP). “We are ensuring that community volunteers are ready to act.”

📡 Monitoring Continues

Satellite images from the Indian Meteorological Department also show signs of convective cloud bands consolidating around the system. Regional weather experts indicate that if sea surface temperatures remain high, this could evolve into a depression or even a cyclonic storm within the next few days.

The BMD has stated it will continue to issue hourly updates, and the situation is being monitored in coordination with neighboring countries under the South Asian Regional Weather Watch.

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Public Advisory:
Stay tuned to official weather bulletins. Avoid coastal areas unless necessary. Secure boats and evacuate if instructed by local authorities.