Building storm in Bay of Bengal under close watch

Building storm in Bay of Bengal under close watch

Published on Thursday, 22 May 2014 19:02

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A weak storm forming in Bay of Bengal (India Meteorological Department)

A low pressure area in the Bay of Bengal has developed into a weak storm since 1pm yesterday and its chances to make landfall in Myanmar is under close watch, according to a report from the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology.

"Now,  in the Bay of Bengal, the depression developed into a yellow-stage storm. It is likely to move north-northeastward. So, the Rakhine State and Ayeyawaddy Region must be careful," said Kyaw Moe Oo.

It is centred at about 185 miles west-northwest of Koko Island and 255 miles west-southwest of Pathein Township, and it could move toward Myanmar and Bangladesh Coasts within next two days, said the report.

Under the influence of the depression, rain or thundershowers will be fairly widespread in Bago Region; also widespread in Yangon, Ayeyarwady and Taninthayi regions and Rakhine State with isolated heavy falls in Yangon and Ayeyarwady regions and Rakhine State within next three days, the department said.

It added that occasional squalls with rough seas will be experienced off and along the Rakhine Coast. Surface wind speed in squalls may reach 40 - 45 miles per hour, they said.

"Storm alerts have been released along the coastal areas. We have also informed the department of marine administration to advise trawlers and fishing boats not to go at sea," said an official from the meteorology and hydrology department.

The risk of storms is usually high in the early and late monsoon period in Myanmar.

"As the storm alerts are received, some forest department officials in Myaungmya, Letputta, Pathein and Hinthata townships are notified to prepare for protection against storms," said an official from the forestry department of Pathein Township, Ayeyawaddy Region.

Among the cyclones which hit Myanmar, Cyclone Nargis in May 2008 was the worst with a death toll of tens of thousands of lives.

Normally, Myanmar faces about two cyclones originating from Bay of Bengal every three years. Storms usually batter the Rakhine State, Yangon and Ayeyawaddy regions. Low pressure areas generally occur in early and late monsoon periods.

Source: http://www.news.myanmaronlinecentre.com/2014/05/22/building-storm-in-bay-of-bengal-under-close-watch/