A deep depression in the northwest Bay of Bengal has begun crossing the West Bengal-Bangladesh coast between Sagar Dwip and Khepupara, bringing sustained winds of 50 kmph and gusts up to 60 kmph within 48 km of its centre.

According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Office’s Special Weather Bulletin, the system is expected to complete its coastal crossing by Thursday evening, May 29, 2025, and gradually weaken thereafter.

The depression is causing rough seas and gusty winds across the North Bay of Bengal, coastal areas, and seaports. The seaports of Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra have been instructed to hoist local warning signal number 3. All fishing boats and trawlers in the North Bay have been advised to remain in safe shelters until further notice.

Coastal impacts and flooding

At 6 am on Thursday, the deep depression was located 245 km southwest of Payra seaport, significantly impacting coastal areas, particularly Kuakata in Patuakhali.

Large waves have battered the shore since Wednesday morning, causing damage to establishments such as the police box area, Sardar Market, and Fuchka Market.

Md Russell Rumman, a trader at Sardar Market, reported significant destruction, stating, “The market has been largely destroyed by the cyclone. We are relocating goods to safer areas. I’ve never seen such a storm.”

Police and local volunteers are using microphones to evacuate tourists from Kuakata beach to prevent accidents.

Tariqul Islam, Officer-in-Charge of Mahipur Police Station, said, “We are working with tourist police to evacuate visitors in this hostile weather to ensure safety. We’ll remain on duty until conditions improve.”

Moderate rainfall has persisted in coastal areas since Wednesday evening, accompanied by increased air pressure. High tides have raised river levels by 2 to 3 feet, flooding low-lying areas and water logging hundreds of households. The Meteorological Office warns that the depression could intensify further, potentially bringing gale-force winds to coastal regions.

Disruptions on the Meghna river

The Meghna River has become turbulent due to the depression, leading to the suspension of all boat traffic on the Lakshmipur-Bhola-Barisal route. Two ferries, Begum Sufia Kamal and Begum Rokeya, attempted to return to Majuchaudhurir Hat in Lakshmipur early Thursday.

While Begum Sufia Kamal reached the ghat, Begum Rokeya remains stuck in the Motirhat area of Kamalnagar Upazila due to low water levels.

Md Atikuzzaman, Co-Manager (Commerce) at Bhola Ferry Ghat, noted, “The river is shallow now, but Begum Rokeya will return to Majuchaudhurir Hat Ghat once the tide rises.”

Five ferries operate on the Lakshmipur-Bhola route, with four currently stationed at Majuchaudhurir Hat Ghat, as the turbulent river prevents docking at Bhola’s Ilisha ferry ghat.

Similarly, launch services on the Lakshmipur-Bhola-Barisal route have been suspended. Shariful Islam, traffic supervisor at Majuchaudhurir Hat Launch Ghat, said, “A warning signal was issued last night.

The five launches operating on this route, including two bound for Barisal, are stationed at Majuchaudhurir Hat Ghat until further notice.”