Bay of Bengal: Tropical Cyclone Sitrang tracking north-northeast Oct. 24 /update 1

Event

Tropical Cyclone Sitrang is tracking north-northeast across Bay of Bengal Oct. 24. As of 15:00 BST, the storm's center of circulation was approximately 398 km (247 miles) southwest of Chattogram, Bangladesh. Forecast models indicate that the storm will strengthen and make landfall as a cyclonic storm over Barisal then Chattogram divisions in Bangladesh early Oct. 25. After landfall, Sitrang is forecast to weaken rapidly as it tracks north-northeastwards across eastern Bangladesh and eastern India before dissipating over northern Assam State in India early Oct. 26. The storm's track and intensity forecast remain somewhat uncertain, and changes may occur over the coming days.

As of Oct. 24, the India Meteorological Department has issued red (highest level on a three-tier scale) heavy rain warnings across southern West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Tripura, and Mizoram states Oct. 24. Orange heavy rain warnings are in place across the rest of northeastern India through at least Oct. 25.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall of more than 8.8 cm (3.5 inches) across most of the country. Landslides are possible over hilly terrain in Chattogram Division. Low-lying coastal areas of Satkhira, Khulna, Bagherhat, Jhalokathi, Pirojpur, Borguna, Patuakhali, Bhola, Barishal, Laxmipur, Chandpur, Noakhali, Feni, Chattogram, and Cox’s Bazar districts and their offshore islands are likely to be inundated due to storm surge. Officials will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as the storm progresses.

Authorities in Bangladesh are evacuating hundreds of thousands of people from vulnerable coastal areas, including Patuakhali, Bhola, Barguna, Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira, and Jhalakathi districts, to emergency shelters. Authorities have suspended operations at Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Mongla, and Payra ports in Bangladesh in advance of the storm.

Authorities in India canceled flights at Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport (IXA) Oct. 24. Northeast Frontier Railway has canceled the special Diwali train through at least Oct. 26.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. Localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible if weather conditions prove hazardous.

The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions, rendering some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary closures of ports are also possible. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding increase insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters pose a serious health threat.

Advice

Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast adverse weather conditions. Heed any evacuation orders that may be issued. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for severe flooding and storm surge. Stockpile water, batteries, and other essentials in advance. Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellular phones to emergencies only. Power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming weeks.

Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions in areas in the path of the storm, especially if vital infrastructure is damaged. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.

Resources

Joint Typhoon Warning Center
India Meteorological Department
Bangladesh Meteorological Department