Weather Alert – U. S. Embassy (Dhaka, Bangladesh)

Location: Bay of Bengal; all coastal areas around Bangladesh. 

Event: A potential cyclone may be forming in the Bay of Bengal.  If the tropical depression forms into a cyclone storm as expected, it will be named “Sitrang.”  The Government of Bangladesh has issued an early warning Level 3 (alert) in the coastal area, indicating a cyclone may be approaching. 

At this time, it is too early to know precisely the storm’s eventual strength but it is expected to make landfall along Bangladesh’s southern coasts.  U.S. citizens are advised to avoid travel to coastal regions, including the areas of Khulna, Barisal, Chattogram, and Cox’s Bazar for the next several days.  Official U.S. government travel to coastal regions has been temporarily suspended. Follow the local media for further updates.   

 Actions to Take: 

  • • Avoid travel to coastal areas. 

  • • Monitor local media and the Bangladesh Meteorological Department and local media for weather updates. 

  • • Be prepared to shelter in place if conditions worsen. 

  • • Keep your mobile phones and other communication devices fully charged. 

  • • Follow directions of local authorities. 

  • • Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.