'Rimal' may cross coast by evening

Severe cyclone Rimal may start crossing the coast of Bangladesh by Sunday evening, with maximum speed reaching up to 120 kilometres per hour, according to meteorologists.

More than 12 feet height of tide, driven by wind, may occur in the coastal areas due to the cyclone, as per a local media report.

At the same time, the Meteorological Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across the country.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department, 'Rimal' is moving very slowly towards the coast of Bangladesh. It was moving at a speed of 6 kilometres per hour in the last six hours, they said in the bulletin on Sunday morning. Yesterday, its speed was 15 to 20 kilometres per hour.

Maritime ports of Mongla and Payra have been asked to hoist great danger signal number 10, while Chattogram and Cox's Bazar seaports have been asked to hoist great danger signal number 9.

Launch services have been suspended across the country since 10pm on Saturday.