The deep depression in the East-Central Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas has intensified and turned into cyclone 'Yaas' in the same area.

Seaports have been asked by Bangladesh Meteorological Office to display remote warning signal 2.

Earlier, at 12 noon on Sunday, the maximum sustained wind speed was 40 kmph in the 44 kmph center, which increased to 50 kmph in the form of gusts or gusty winds. The sea is actively rough near the center of the depression.

Meteorologist Dr. Nazmul Ahasan told Bangladesh Post that the cyclone could hit coastal areas of Bangladesh by 26 May. He is optimistic that the cyclone would not be quite severe and is likely to dissipate before any significant damage is done.

 “The cyclone could hit the country in a day; however, it is not likely to take a dangerous turn. If it does, the authorities will vacate the regions and act according to protocol,” said Dr. Nazmul Ahasan

State minister for disaster management and relief, Enamur Rahman, said that all kinds of measures have been taken to deal with the anticipated cyclone.

The minister said this during a meeting on preparations to tackle Cyclone Yaas at the Secretariat, according to a press release issued in this regard.

He said that the Police, Ansar, BGB personnel and volunteers of Cyclone Preparedness Programme are ready. They will work according to instructions.

He further said that it is unlikely for the cyclone to hit Bangladesh's coastal areas if its current course remains unchanged.

He also said that the cyclone is currently 500 kms away from Odisha and 605 kms away from Bangladesh's coastal area. The department of disaster management is closely observing the cyclone and will act accordingly.

The meteorological office said that the effect of 'Yaas' may be temporary in some parts of Barishal, Sylhet and Chattogram divisions and in one or two places in Khulna, Dhaka and Rajshahi divisions with temporary gusts or thunderstorms. Elsewhere in the country, the weather will be mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy skies.