Cyclone Arnab Hits India, Four Bangladesh Ports on Alert

Cyclone Arnab has made landfall along the coast of India’s Andhra Pradesh, with the process beginning near Yanam, a town in Puducherry close to Kakinada, at 1:20am on Wednesday. Wind speeds were estimated at 125–135 kilometres per hour, with gusts reaching up to 150 kilometres per hour.

The cyclone has also triggered adverse weather conditions in Bangladesh’s coastal areas. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department said deep convective clouds were forming over the North Bay of Bengal, while squalls or strong winds could affect coastal areas and seaports.

In response, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra seaports have been asked to maintain local warning Signal No. 3.

Fishing boats and trawlers operating in the North Bay of Bengal have been instructed to remain close to the coast and navigate cautiously until further notice.

The meteorological department has also warned that gusty or squally winds reaching 45–60 kilometres per hour may affect parts of Jashore, Kushtia, Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar. River ports in these areas have been asked to hoist warning Signal No. 1.

According to the forecast valid until 6pm Wednesday, rain or thundershowers may occur in many places across Rajshahi, Khulna and Barishal divisions and in some areas of other divisions.

Day and night temperatures across the country may fall slightly, the department said.