Cyclone Arnab intensifies as Bangladesh ports raised to signal No. 3

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Cyclone Arnab has strengthened over the Bay of Bengal, prompting Bangladesh to place its four seaports under local cautionary signal No. 3.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) issued the alert for Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra on Monday (October 26), replacing distant warning signal No. 2.

According to the BMD’s evening bulletin, Arnab was a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas.

At 6pm on Monday, the storm was located about 870 kilometres southwest of Chattogram, 810 kilometres southwest of Cox’s Bazar, 795 kilometres sqouth of Mongla and 770 kilometres south of Payra.

Winds near the cyclone’s centre reached sustained speeds of 89 kilometres per hour, with gusts of up to 117 kilometres per hour. The sea remained rough around the centre.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) later reported that Arnab had intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm.

The storm is forecast to move northwest and cross the coasts of Andhra Pradesh and Yanam in India between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam on Wednesday (October 28).

The IMD forecast sustained winds of 115–125 kilometres per hour during landfall, with gusts reaching 140 kilometres per hour.

Meanwhile, the BMD has advised fishing boats and trawlers operating in the northern Bay of Bengal to remain close to the coast and proceed cautiously until further notice.