Online Desk  :  The severe cyclonic storm “Dana” made landfall in Odisha early Friday, shortly after midnight, unleashing heavy rainfall and violent winds that lashed coastal districts. With wind speeds surpassing 110kmph, the storm caused widespread damage across the region and affected parts of neighbouring West Bengal. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the landfall process began after midnight and continued into Friday morning.

At middle of the last night, it was centered about 570 kms Southwest of Chattogram port, 565 kms Southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 370 kms Southwest of Mongla port and 410 kms Southwest of Payra port, according to the No-12 special bulletin of Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) on Friday morning, reports UNB. Under the peripheral effect of the Severe Cyclonic Storm, heavy (44-88 mm) to very heavy (289mm) rainfall with gusty or squally wind may occur over North Bay, offshore islands, chars and coastal areas of Bangladesh.

Maximum sustained wind speed within 64 km of the Severe Cyclone center is about 90 kph rising to 110 kph in gusts or squalls. Sea will remain high near the system center. Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted local cautionary signal No-3. Under the peripheral effect of the cyclonic and steep pressure gradient, the low-lying areas of the coastal districts of Satkhira, Khulna, Bagerhat, Barguna, Barishal, Jhalakathi, Pirojpur, Patuakhali, Bhola, Lakshmipur, Noakhali, Feni, Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar and their offshore Islands and Chars are likely to be inundated by wind driven surge of 2-3 feet height above normal astronomical tide.

All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice.