All the maritime ports of the country have been advised to hoist distant warning signal No. 3 as the strong cyclone “Yaas” is advancing northwest further.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has suspended operations of all types of water vessels on most river routes across the country as precautionary measures centring the severe cyclonic storm.

In a special bulletin, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) said the cyclonic storm is now persisting at the north-west Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas after progressing northwest further.

The Bay of Bengal is currently rough due to the impact of Yaas which has turned into a strong cyclone. Tidal water is crashing on the coast at a height of a few feet higher than normal. Cyclone Yaas could cross the coast by noon on Wednesday (May 26). The Meteorological Department said that there was a risk of tidal wave due to the full moon at that time.

Cyclone Yaas is likely to intensify further and reach the coast of Orissa and West Bengal in India by Wednesday (May 26), the met office said.

According to the Meteorological Department, heavy rain is likely to lash Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Jhalokati, Pirojpur, Barguna, Patuakhali, Barisal, Bhola, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur and Chattogram districts.

The centre of the cyclone was 555 km southwest of Chittagong port, 52 km southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 425 km south-southwest of Mongla port and 420 km south-southwest of Payra sea port at 3:00pm.

The maritime ports of Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to hoist distant warning signal No. 3.

All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution.