Cyclone Dana: Impact on Bangladesh ‘largely limited’ to rain

“The fear of storms has abated. There may be rain here and there across the country, with more in the western regions,” a meteorologist says

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department says there is no likelihood of major storms or other disasters in the country due to Severe Cyclone Dana, which has started to weaken after making landfall in India’s Odisha.

Though there may be some rain due to the impact of Dana, it will not be heavy, said Meteorologist Hafizur Rahman on Friday.

“The fear of storms has abated. There may be rain here and there across the country, with more in the western regions. But heavy rain is not likely,” he said.

In a special bulletin, the BMD said that the severe cyclonic storm crossed the north Odisha coast around 3am and is likely to move west-northwest and weaken gradually.

At the time it made landfall at the Odisha and West Bengal coast, its maximum wind speed was up to 120 kmh. It has since calmed.

Gusty and squally winds are expected due to the cyclone’s influence in the north Bay of Bengal, the maritime ports, and the adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh. The maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep local cautionary signal No. 3 hoisted.

All fishing boats and trawlers over the north bay and the deep sea have been advised to remain in shelter until Saturday morning.

A depression in the Andaman Sea and the adjoining Bay of Bengal on Monday slowly developed into the cyclone.

It was named ‘Dana’ according to a list maintained by regional organisation ESCAP. The name was given by Qatar.

The regular forecast released by the BMD at 9am on Friday says that many places in the Rangpur, Rajshahi, and Khulna divisions and a few places over the Dhaka, Mymensingh, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions will see light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally wind over the next 24 hours.

Some parts of the country may experience moderately heavy to heavy rain.

Day and night temperatures are expected to rise slightly across the country.