The Department of Meteorology has issued a red alert for the Bay of Bengal, saying a new low-pressure area is likely to become a cyclonic storm by 26 October.
The alert was issued at 4.30pm on Friday and is valid for 24 hours. It warns of strong winds and rough seas and is aimed in particular at multi-day fishing vessels operating in deep-sea areas.
The department said the low-pressure area formed off the Northern Andaman Islands. It is expected to become a depression by 24 October, then move west-northwestwards and strengthen into a deep depression by 25 October.
The system is then very likely to develop into a cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by the morning of 26 October, the department said.
Naval and fishing communities have been advised not to go into the sea area between latitudes 10°N and 20°N and longitudes 80°E and 95°E until further notice. Those already in the area have been urged to move to safe locations immediately.
The department asked the public and maritime workers to follow its upcoming forecasts and official advisories.
Background
The Department of Meteorology is the state agency responsible for weather forecasts and warnings for Sri Lanka and the seas around it. It issues separate advisories for land and sea areas, including warnings to fishing and naval communities when winds and sea conditions become hazardous.
A depression, a deep depression and a cyclonic storm are successive stages of intensity on the scale used by regional meteorological agencies in South Asia, with each stage reflecting stronger sustained winds. The department’s forecast describes the system moving through these stages over about three days.
Multi-day fishing vessels spend several days at sea and can operate far from shore, which makes it harder to bring crews back at short notice once conditions worsen. Warnings for the deep sea are therefore normally issued well before a system reaches full strength.
What it means
Owners and crews of multi-day boats who had planned trips into the Bay of Bengal have been told not to put to sea in the stated area until the department lifts the advice. Crews already out there have been asked to head for safe waters.
Families of fishermen working in the area can follow the Department of Meteorology’s forecasts and advisories, which it said will be updated as the system develops. The advisory as issued applies to the sea area described above, and the department has said further guidance will follow.
