The deep depression created in the Bay of Bengal is likely to turn into a severe cyclone on Sunday (October 23, 2022) evening, said State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr Enamur Rahman.

"If it turns into a cyclone, it will strike the coastal areas between Monday (October 24) midnight and Tuesday (October 25) evening," he said while speaking at a press conference at his Secretariat office in Dhaka on Sunday.

The state minister said the deep depression would be known as 'Sitrang' if it turns into a cyclone. If its direction is not changed, it will hit the West Bengal and Bhubaneswar of India. If its direction is changed, it will strike areas stretching upto 730 kilometers of 19 coastal districts of Bangladesh. Its speed will be 90km to 110km per hour.

Due to full moon, the tidal surge will likely increase to 3-5 feet above the astronomical tide, he said.

However, there is no possibility that “Sitrang” will not turn into a ‘super cyclonic storm’ and it may hit 19 coastal districts, he added.

Enamur Rahman said among the cyclonic storms of last three years, the 'Sitrang' will strike stretching more areas. "We have taken all preparations to face this cyclone. Dry food and emergency relief are being sent to the coastal districts where the cyclone may strike."