Violent storms triggered by depression have swept Bangladesh's south and southeastern coastal belt, leaving at least 10 people dead and over 100 fishermen missing in the Bay of Bengal.

The storm struck the country's southern districts of Barisal, Bhola, Barguna, Noakhali, Patuakhali, Bagerhat, Faridpur and Rangamati Monday night, triggering heavy rain, tornado and landslide and leaving 10 killed and over 150 injured.

Several islands in these districts were inundate by tidal surge up to four feet (1.2 meter) high as the depression has developed in the Bay of Bengal four days ago.

Hundreds of thatched houses were destroyed, crops were damaged and innumerable trees and electric poles were uprooted during the nature's scourge, one in a series this calamitous season. House collapse, landslide and crashing trees caused the casualties.

Telephone lines and power supply were snapped in most of the affected districts aggravating misery of the people and making it difficult for the local administration to conduct rescue and relief operations in remote villages and islands.

Besides, over 100 fishermen with 18 trawlers went missing in the Bay of Bengal amid the inclement weather since Monday afternoon, coastguard officials in southern Bagerhat district said.

The government has banned movement of ferry services in 108 river routes. All river vessels were advised to stay in safe places until further notice.

Land depression was however weakened into a well-marked low and lies over the capital of Dhaka and eastern Comilla regions Tuesday morning, said a meteorologic office bulletin.

It said squally weather may continue to affect the country's maritime ports of southeastern port Chittagong, Cox's Bazar and southwestern port Mongla. They were advised to keep hoisted local cautionary signal number three. All fishing-boats and trawlers over the north Bay have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice.

(Xinhua News Agency October 17, 2007)