Tourists asked to leave St Martin’s Island by this afternoon due to depression

Tourists have been asked to leave St Martin’s Island by this afternoon due to inclement weather caused by a depression over the Bay of Bengal.

The local administration has also imposed a ban on movement of all kinds of vessels on the Teknaf-St Martin’s, St Martin’s-Cox’s Bazar and St Martin’s-Chattogram routes from tomorrow.

“All tourists in St Martin’s Island have been asked to leave by 2:30pm today for their safety. Tourists have been asked to return to Teknaf,” said Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer Adnan Chowdhury.

According to meteorological department, maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to hoist local cautionary signal number three as the depression over West central Bay and adjoining area intensified into deep depression.

“Chattogram, Cox’s bazar, Mongla and Payra maritime ports are advised to hoist local cautionary signal number three as the depression over west central Bay and adjoining area intensified into a deep depression and now lies over the same area,” said a special weather bulletin today.

The deep depression is likely to move northeastwards and intensify further, it said.

Under its influence deep convection is taking place over North Bay as squally weather may affect the maritime ports, North Bay and adjoining coastal areas, it added.

Maximum sustained wind speed within 48 kms of the deep depression centre is about 50 kph rising to 60 kph in gusts or squalls.

Sea will remain rough near the deep depression centre.

All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain close to the coast, so that they can take shelter within very short notice. (BSS)