Weather - Bangladesh Business News

Bangladesh-India to exchange advance weather forecast

BBN Desk — Fri, 11 Nov 2016 12:11:15 +0000

Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- Bangladesh and India have agreed to exchange advance weather forecast message to take early precautionary measures before arrival of any natural calamities.
Disaster Management and Relief Minister Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya said this while addressing at a press briefing at the Department of Disaster Management in Dhaka on Friday.
He attended the Asian Ministerial Conference at New Delhi held from November 2-5.
The outcome of mutual cooperation has come after a bilateral meeting between Disaster Management and Relief Minister Mofazzal Hossain Chowhdury Maya and Jabed Ahmed Khan of West Bengal on November 8 at Kolkata after the conference.
Besides, India and Bangladesh also agreed to take coordinated approach to protect the largest mangrove forest of the world -Sundarban from any environmental disaster considering it as a "defender" of devastating cyclone and tidal surge, according to the minister.
Meeting decided both the countries will send delegate to work on the affairs.

He also said the exchange of weather forecast message would help to take precautionary measures against the severe natural disasters like earth quake, cyclone, thunderstorm and flood.
Disaster and Relief Secretary Shah Kamal, Director General of the Department of Disaster Management Reaz Ahmed and senior ministry officials, among others, were present at the press briefing.

The Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction held to make the disaster management system sustainable for the Asian countries in light of Sendai framework.
The conference adopted a political declaration and formulated a regional action plan on disaster management. The next conference will be held at Mongolia in 2018.
BBN/SSR/AD

World Bank approves $213 million for Bangladesh

BBN Desk — Sun, 05 Jun 2016 05:34:20 +0000

Washington, DC (BBN) - The World Bank has approved $213 million for two projects in Bangladesh to improve weather and climate information services and to strengthen college education provided through affiliates of the National University.
The $113 million Weather and Climate Services Regional Project will help Bangladesh provide reliable weather, water and climate forecasts and enable communities, especially farmers, to access weather information services easily.
The $100 million College Education Development Project will help improve the teaching and learning environment of government and non-government colleges affiliated with the National University, according to a World Bank (WB) press statement.
“To reach middle-income country status by 2021, Bangladesh needs to focus on priority areas, which include creating a skilled and competent workforce, and helping weather-dependent sectors cope better with climate uncertainties and natural disasters,” said Qimiao Fan, World Bank Country Director for Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal.
“Modern hydro-meteorological forecasting services will improve disaster preparedness, while a stronger college education system consisting of 1.6 million students will help university graduates become more employable. These two projects, in turn, will help raise income-levels and reduce poverty.”
The Weather and Climate Services Regional Project will strengthen hydro-meteorological monitoring and forecasting, and improve early warning systems. The project will help develop agro-meteorological services to farmers and provide tailored weather and climate data, and services. The project will also support community level early warning systems for extreme weather events in the districts of Netrakona, Sunamganj Rajshahi and Naogaon.
“By providing access to weather and climate related information, the project will help the farmers cope with weather and climate extremes and increase agricultural productivity,” said Poonam Pillai, Task Team Leader, Weather and Climate Services Regional Project, World Bank.
“The project will set up agro-meteorological information kiosks in 487 Upazila and agromet display boards at 4,051 Union Parishads, enabling at least 300,000 farmers adjust to weather variability at the farm level.”
In Bangladesh, over two-thirds of the students at tertiary level are enrolled in government and non-government colleges. The College Education Development Project will support better education for graduate and masters students in the National University affiliated colleges. It also aims to strengthen the strategic planning and management capacity of the colleges.
In addition, the project will help fill vacant teacher positions at the government colleges and provide training for around 8,000 college teachers and managers.
“As the first donor-supported intervention in college education, the project will support an improved teaching and learning environment and contribute to creating a globally competitive workforce,” said Yoko Nagashima, Task Team Leader, College Education Development Project, World Bank.
The credits are from the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s grant and low interest arm. They have 38 years to maturity with a 6-year grace period and carry a service charge of 0.75 percent.

BBN/SSR/AD

Cyclone ‘Roanu’ kills 24 in Bangladesh

BBN Desk — Sun, 22 May 2016 02:55:06 +0000

Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- At least 24 people were killed and more than 100 others injured as cyclonic storm 'Roanu' battered Bangladesh’s coastal areas before it weakened into a land depression on Saturday
Of the dead, 12 were reported from Chittagong, three each were reported from Noakhali and Bhola and Cox's Bazar and one each from Patuakhali and Laxmipur districts.
The storm knocked down homes and toppled trees, causing the casualties in Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Bhola, Noakhali, Patuakhali and Laxmipur. The death toll may rise as many are missing and critically injured.
Tens of thousands of people left their homes in the coastal areas for safety ahead of the storm and afterwards amid high tides, wind gusts and incessant rain.
Several hundred houses, business establishments and shops were damaged while many trees and electric poles uprooted, ponds and fish enclosures washed away and several thousands of people got marooned due to flood triggered by the storms in different coastal districts, according to reports.
The power distribution system was seriously disrupted in the cyclone-hit areas of Chittagong, Comilla and other coastal districts, as a number of electric poles were uprooted there and electric wires damaged.
As Roanu weakened, turned into a low and headed towards India last night, all maritime ports were asked to lower their cautionary signals to “3”.
BBC adds: Cyclone Roanu has pounded coastal areas of Bangladesh, forcing half a million people to flee their homes and leaving at least 24 dead.
It made landfall at noon local time (06:00 GMT) on Saturday, causing floods, landslides and submerging homes.
The storm system has since weakened but heavy rainfall is continuing.
Low-lying Bangladesh is especially vulnerable to flooding and has seen frequent deadly cyclones.
The authorities took over 500,000 people into shelters as Roanu hit.
Among those who died were a mother and daughter who were killed in a landslide in southern Chittagong district, which bore the brunt of the storm, AFP reported.
Several ports have been closed and power lines are down across the country.
The full extent of the damage is not expected to be known until Sunday.

BBN/SSR/AD

Weak ‘Komen’ may cross Ctg by midnight, 5 killed

BBN Desk — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 06:27:36 +0000

Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)-The cyclonic storm “Komen” which remains some 50 kms southwest of Chittagong port may gradually become weak and cross the port city coast by midnight, said a latest bulletin of Bangladesh Met office.

“After landfall the cyclone may move west-northwestwards and weaken gradually by giving precipitation,” said the bulletin issued at 6:00pm Thursday.

“It is likely to move in a northerly direction and may cross Chittagong coast near Sandwip by evening today (Thursday),” the bulletin added.

The Met official termed the cyclone as moderate and said “as customary to cyclones in monsoon, it will not be too intense.”

Meanwhile, one person was killed in Saint Martin’s Island, a wonderful pearl island in the middle of blue marine Bay of Bengal, while another in Bhola, south-western coastal district of Bangladesh, when trees fell on them as squally wind hit the areas ahead of the approach of “Komen”, media reports said.

A child was killed when a wall collapsed in Moheshkhali island of Bhola district.

Two more persons died when a boat capsized along Maheshkhali channel due to the cyclone.

At least six fishermen also remain missing in Cox’s Bazar and Bhola when their boats capsized in Bay.

Local administration evacuated the people remained in danger areas and relocated them in cyclone centres.

The cyclonic storm “Komen” (with ecp 988 hpa) remains about 105 kms northwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 205 kms east of Mongla port and 125 kms east-northeast of Payra port, according to the latest bulletin of the Bangladesh Met office.

The maximum sustained wind speed within 54 kms of the cyclone centre is about 62 kph rising to 88 kph in gusts or squalls. Sea will remain very rough near the system centre.

Under the influence of the storm, the beach city Cox’s Bazar and port city Chittagong have been experiencing light rains since Thursday morning.

The peripheral gusty or squally wind of the cyclonic storm has made landfall in Saint Martin’s Island and Teknaf last night, the bulletin added.

Landslide may occur at places over the hilly regions of Chittagong division due to the very heavy rainfall following the “Komen”.

Meanwhile, the offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by storm surge of 3-5 feet height above normal astronomical tide due to the cyclonic storm.

The coastal areas are likely to experience wind speed up to 80-100 kph in gusts or squalls with heavy to very falls, the Met office added.

The cyclonic storm “Komen” (with ecp 986 hpa) over northeast Bay and adjoining Bangladesh coast remain practically stationary, according to the special bulletin.

The maritime ports of Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar have been advised to keep hoisted danger signal No seven.

The coastal districts of Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Bhola, and their offshore islands and chars will come under danger signal number seven, the bulletin added.

The maritime ports of Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted danger signal No five.

The coastal districts of Borguna, Patuakhali, Barisal Pirozpur, Jhalokathi, Bagherhat, Khulna, Satkhira and their offshore islands and chars will come under danger signal number five.

Under the influence squally weather is continuing over north Bay, adjoining coastal area of Bangladesh and the coastal islands and the maritime ports.

All fishing boats, trawlers and marine vessels over north Bay have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
•NDRCC remains open, prepare the cyclone shelters forevacuation if needed.
• Armed Forces Division (AFD) and Fire Service and Civil Defense (FSCD) will take necessary action while needed.
• Coastal districts’ Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and
Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) will take required actions for preparing CPP Volunteers, Scouts, Ansars and VDPs.
• Beside these, the DC of Rangamati, Bandarban and
Khagrachari will also be prepared for disaster response.
• All CPP offices and EOC of DDM will remain open.
• All electronic medias will broadcast special weather
bulletin on depression frequently.
BBN/AI/ANS

Bangladesh’s ports asked to hoist cautionary signal 7

BBN Desk — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 18:55:56 +0000

Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)-Bangladesh’s two maritime ports—Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar—have been advised to hoist danger signal No. seven as the deep depression over northeast Bay and adjoining Bangladesh coast intensified into a cyclonic storm “Komen”.
The coastal districts of Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Bhola, and their offshore islands and chars will come under danger signal number seven, said a special bulletin of the Bangladesh Met Office.
On the other hand, the maritime ports of Mongla and Payra have been advised to lower local warning signal number four but instead hoist danger signal No. five.
The coastal districts of Borguna, Patuakhali, Barisal Pirozpur, Jhalokathi, Bagherhat, Khulna, Satkhira and their offshore islands and chars will come under danger signal number five.

According to the Met Office 9:00 pm bulletin, the deep depression over northeast Bay and adjoining Bangladesh coast moved slightly north-northeastwards over the same area, intensified into a cyclonic storm “Komen”.

Komen is moving with a spread of 988 hpa. It was centred about 110 kms southwest of Chittagong port, 105 kms west- northwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 170 kms southeast of Mongla port and 85 kms southeast of Payra port (near lat 21.70 n and long 91.00 e) at 9:00 pm on Wednesday.

“It is likely to move in a northerly direction and may cross Bangladesh coast between Barisal-Chittagong coast by noon/afternoon on Thursday,” it noted.

Under it’s influence squally weather is continuing over north Bay, adjoining coastal area of Bangladesh and the maritime ports.
Maximum sustained wind speed within 54 kms of the cyclone centre is about 62 kph rising to 88 kph in gusts/squalls. Sea will remain very rough near the system centre.

Under the influence of the cyclonic storm the low-lying areas of the coastal districts of Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Bhola, Barisal, Patuakhali, Jhalokathi, Pirozpur, Borguna, Bagherhat, Khulna, Satkhira and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by storm surge of 3-5 feet height above normal astronomical tide.
The coastal districts of Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Bhola, Barisal, Patuakhali, Borguna, Bagherhat, Khulna, Satkhira and their offshore islands and chars are likely to experience wind speed up to 70-90 kph in gusts/ squalls with heavy to very falls during the passage of the system.

Due to very heavy rainfall, landslide may occur at places over the hilly regions of Chittagong division, the Met Office added.

All fishing boats, trawlers and marine vessels over north Bay have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice.

BBN/SSR/AD

Rain continues across Bangladesh

BBN Desk — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 14:42:43 +0000

Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- Rain has been continuing in different parts of Bangladesh including the capital city Dhaka.
The continuous rains make different streets of the capital city Dhaka and some of the major cities to suffer from water logging, according to reports.
Light to moderate rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty wind is likely to occur at most places over Rajshahi, Dhaka, Khulna, Barisal, Chittagong and Sylhet divisions and at a many places over Rangpur division with moderately heavy to heavy falls at places over the country in next 24 hours till 6:0pm tomorrow (Monday).
Met office recorded 90mm rainfall in capital city Dhaka in 24 hours ending 6am on Sunday while 9mm rainfall was recorded till 12 noon since 6:00am Sunday.
According to the Met office, 45 mm rainfall was recorded at Hatiya in Noakhali, 38mm in Comilla, 32mm in Feni, 37mm in Sandwip, 32mm in Khepupara, 45mm in Ishwardi and 30mm in Sitakunda till 12noo today since 6 in the morning.
The axis of monsoon trough runs through Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Gangetic West Bengal and thence northeastwards to Assam across central part of Bangladesh, an official statement said.
One of its associated troughs extends to Northwest Bay. Monsoon is active over Bangladesh and moderate elsewhere over North Bay.
Day and night temperature may remain nearly unchanged over the country.
The sun rises in the capital on Monday at 5:21am and setss at 06:47pm.

BBN/SSR/AD

Bangladesh’s maritime ports on signal 3

BBN Desk — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 06:43:51 +0000

Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)-All the four maritime ports of Bangladesh have been asked to hoist local cautionary signal No 3 as steep pressure gradient lies over North Bay due to strong monsoon.

The maritime ports are: Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra.

Under its influence squally weather may prevail over North Bay and adjoining coastal areas and maritime ports, said a special bulletin of Bangladesh Meteorological Department.

The bulletin also advised all fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution till further notice.

BBN/JF/SS-16July14-12:00pm (BST)

Bangladesh’s maritime ports on alert

BBN Desk — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 12:14:02 +0000

Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)-All the four maritime ports of Bangladesh have been asked to hoist local cautionary signal No three as a deep convection is taking place over north Bay and adjoining coastal area.

The maritime ports are: Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra.

Under the influence of the convection, squally weather may occur over north Bay, adjoining coastal area of Bangladesh and the maritime ports, said a special bulletin of Bangladesh Met Office.

All fishing boats and trawlers over north Bay have been advised to come close to the coast and proceed with caution till further notice, the bulletin added.

BBN/ANS-30June14-6:20pm (BST)

Bangladesh maritime ports asked to hoist signal no 1

BBN Desk — Thu, 22 May 2014 10:27:28 +0000

Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)-All the four maritime ports of Bangladesh have been advised to hoist distant cautionary signal no 1 as a depression over the eastcentral Bay and adjoining area moved slightly north-northeastwards over the same area Thursday.

The ports are: Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra.

All fishing boats and trawlers over the North Bay have been advised not to venture into the deep sea until further notice, said a special bulletin of Bangladesh Meteorological Department.

The depression was centered about 645 kms South Southwest of Chittagong port, 555 kms South Southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 665 kms South of Mongla port and 615 kms South of Payra port at 9:00am Thursday, the bulletin added.

It is likely to intensify further and move in a north-northeasterly direction.

Maximum sustained wind speed within 44 kms of the depression centre is about 40 kph rising to 50 kph in gusts or squalls.

The sea will remain moderate.

BBN/ANS/AD-22May14-11:00am (BST)

Rain, storm to come on command!

BBN Desk — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 10:55:40 +0000

US (BBN)-Researchers unveiled radical system to start rain and storms on command.

Other researchers have induced 'electrical events' in clouds, but not lightning strikes.

The team is now establishing a way to get shut enough to immediate the beam into the cloud without remaining blasted to smithereens by lightning, reports USANews.

'What would be wonderful is to have a sneaky way which permits us to deliver an arbitrary extended ‘filament extension cable,' the scientists say.

The approach could just one day be utilised to build rainstorms and even lights on command, the researchers hope.

The procedure works by using a 'double laser' to promote particles inside a cloud.

'It turns out that if you wrap a big, very low intensity, doughnut-like ‘dress’ beam all around the filament and bit by bit shift it inward, you can offer this arbitrary extension,' Mills mentioned.

'Since we have regulate about the length of a filament with our system, a single could seed the circumstances necessary for a rainstorm from afar.

'Ultimately, you could artificially command the rain and lightning over a massive expanse with this kind of thoughts.'

So far, Mills and fellow graduate university student Ali Miri have been equipped to lengthen the pulse from ten inches to about seven ft. And they’re doing work to extend the filament even farther.

'This do the job could finally guide to extremely-long optically induced filaments or plasma channels that are if not unattainable to establish less than usual circumstances,' explained professor Demetrios Christodoulides, who is functioning with the graduate students on the job.

'In principle these kinds of dressed filaments could propagate for more than fifty meters or so, as a result enabling a number of programs.

'This relatives of optical filaments may well a person working day be employed to selectively information microwave signals alongside very extended plasma channels, most likely for hundreds of meters.'

Other feasible utilizes of this strategy could be utilized in lengthy-distance sensors and spectrometers to discover chemical make-up.

BBN/ANS/AD/23Apr14-4:45pm (BST)