Red alert on cyclonic storm over Southeast Bay of Bengal issued

The low-pressure area over Southeast Bay of Bengal has concentrated into a depression and lay centered at 8.30 am today (20) over Southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining south Andaman Sea," the Meteorology Department said.

Issuing a red alert, the Department said the dipression is likely to move nearly northwards and intensify into a Deep-depression by tomorrow (21) 5.30 am and into a cyclonic storm on the same day.

There can be very heavy showers or thundershowers, strong winds (45-55) km/h and gathering speeds up to 60-70 km/h associated with very rough seas over the aforementioned sea areas, it said.

Naval and fishing communities are advised not to venture into the East and southeast Bay of Bengal sea area bounded by (07N-13N and 90E-97E) until further notice.

Those who are out at aforementioned sea regions are advised to return to coasts or move to safer areas immediately.