The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Authorities yesterday renewed their call for immediate harvest of the Boro paddy and warned fishing crews to stay close to shore as the severe cyclone 'Nargis", in the Bay of Bengal churned towards the southeastern coast is moving towards Bangladesh-Myanmer coast, with a direct hit possible later in the week.

"We have warned all fishing boats not to venture into the deep sea for fishing until further notice," said the assistant director of Bangladeshs Meteorological Department, Shah Alam.

Officials said the cyclone was still around 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) from the southeastern port city of Chittagong.

"The present strength of severe cyclone 'Nargis' indicates that it will hit the Bangladesh-Myanmar coast, but we will not be sure until yesterday afternoon when and where it will make landfall," added the head of the Meteorological Department, Arjumand Habib.

Meanwhile, the Council of Advisers of the Caretaker Government yesterday took a close look at the oncoming severe cyclone Nargis and Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed directed all concerned to take precautionary measures against any adversity and closely monitor the situation.

Chairing a meeting of the council of advisers, the Chief Adviser asked for following the standard operating procedure of disaster management. Deputy Commissioners (DCs) concerned have been asked to remain alert.

The Secretary of the Defenece Ministry in cooperation with Metrological Department presented a power-point presentation on movement of 'Nargis', informing that "its movement was very slow and it is early to say about its consequences".

A round-the-clock monitoring cell by Disaster Management Bureau has been opened to keep track of the cyclonic storm, formed over the Bay only six months after the super-cyclone Sidr hit the country last November.

Members of the Advisory Council attended the meeting at the CA's office. Cabinet Secretary and Secretaries concerned were also present.

Earlier, in the afternoon our Chittagong Correspondent reported that the severe cyclonic storm Nargis over west-central and adjoining east-central Bay continued packing in intensity and moved northeastwards.

The tropical storm was centred about 1,000 km southwest of Chittagong Port, 935 km southwest of Cox's Bazar Port and 875 km south-southwest of Mongla Port, said the Storm Warning Centre.

"The storm is likely to intensify further and move in north-northeasterly direction," said the latest forecast.

Maximum sustained wind speed within 64 kms of the storm centre is about 90 kph, rising up to 115 kph in gusts or squalls. "Sea will remain very rough over North Bay and high near the cyclone."

Maritime ports of Chittagong, Cox's Bazar and Mongla have been advised to keep hoisted distant warning signal number two.

All fishing-boats and trawlers over the North Bay have been advised to remain close to the coast and "proceed with caution till further notice".

They are also advised not to venture into the deep sea because of the brewing tempest.