STH Stormwatch - 01/2009 (first one for 2009)

In the ensuing monsoon months, it will be our endeavour to keep a track of adverse weather phenomenon, as soon as is possible, using the internet / contacts with Meteorological Offices / Officers with a view to forewarn (as far as possible) communities thru our network with NGOs. STH (SaveTheHills) will also try to work alongside existing early warning govt. machinery so that casualties due to landslides maybe minimized.
With this in mind, we bring a satellite photo, the storm track and the cyclone warning issued by India and Bangladesh Meteorological Depts of the first cyclone this season...

The cyclone is NOT a threat to us now.

Cyclone Warning (India Met Dept)

Dated: 18th April 2009

Time of issue: 0200 hours IST

Sub: Depression over northeast Bay of Bengal weakened into well marked low pressure area.

The depression over northeast Bay of Bengal moved northeastwards and crossed Bangladesh coast near Chittagaon (Bangladesh). It weakened and lay as a well marked low pressure area over Bangladesh and adjoining Mizoram & Tripura at 2330 hours IST of yesterday, the 17th April 2009.
Under its influence, rain/thundershower at many places with isolated heavy falls is likely over Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram & Tripura and south Assam during next 24 hours
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Bangladesh Met Dept

No. Jha: Sa:-20(15)/96/ Dated, Dhaka: 18-04-2009 Forecast Valid for 24 Hours Commencing 09 AM Today: Synoptic Situation: The cyclonic storm “BIJLI” moved Northeastwards and crossed the Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar coast near Chittagong at 03 AM today (18.04.09) and now lies over Southeastern part of Bangladesh as land depression. It is likely to move in a Northeasterly direction further inland and weaken gradually by giving precipitation. Steep pressure gradient lies over North Bay. Sea will remain rough. Forecast: Rain/ T.showers accompanied by tempo. gusty/squally wind is likely to occur at a few places over Barisal and Chittagong divisions and at one or two places over Dhaka, Rajshahi, Khulna and Sylhet divisions.
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Comment by praful rao

I do realize that only a tiny minority uses the internet and even then the media (internet) which could otherwise be the most powerful and cheapest way of communication is also fraught with errors and problems in this part of the world...
the reason why I have blogged 3 days too late (about the storm) is that our internet services went dead for as many days!!!
Any suggestions?