The country has escaped being hit by a severe cyclonic storm formed in the Bay of Bengal as it weakened into a land depression after crossing the Orissa coast and is now centred near Cuttuck of India, report BSS. UNB.

Meanwhile, at least 19 persons were injured when storms lashed five thanas of Sirajganj and three villages under Muladi thana of Barisal yesterday. Met office sources said the already weakened storm is likely to move further in a north and northwesterly direction gradually losing its force.

However. under the influence of the depression gusty or squally wind with 45 to 60 kph speed accompanied by heavy rainfall will continue to affect the coastal regions of Shatkhlra. Khulna, Bagerhat, Pirojpur. Barguna. Patuakhali. Barisal and Bhola and the regions of Faridpur, Dhaka. Tangail. Comilla, Noakhali. Sylhet and Pabna till today, the sources told BSS yesterday evening.

Maritime port of Mongla has been advised to lower danger signal number 7 and Instead hoist local cautionary signal number 3. Maritime ports of Chittagong and Cox's

Bazar have been advised to lower distant warning signal number 2 and instead hoist distant cautionary signal number 1

The regions of Cox's Bazar and Chittagong yesterday ex perienced heavy downpour

Cox s Bazar Met office re ported that 132 nun rainfall was recorded in the town in 12 hours ending at 6 pm yesterday

In Chittagong. 75 mm rainfall was recorded in 12 hours ending at 6 pm yesterday. local Met Office said.

In Sirajganj. at least 1 000 kuatcha houses were damaged in a severe storm that swept over five thanas yesterday

The storm lasted for about 20 minutes, lashed 15 unions in Belkuchi. Kazipur. Chow-hall. Shahjadpur and Sadar thanas at about 12:30 am.

Sixteen people were injured in the storm, of the injured. four of them were admitted to Kazipur and Belkuchi thana health complexes. hospital sources said.