Hundreds of thousands evacuated as tropical storm approaches Bangladesh coast

Fishermen on the Bay of Bengal coast secure their boats anticipating a storm in Patenga, Chittagong. Authorities in Bangladesh were evacuating hundreds of thousands of people as a tropical storm quickly approached (AP/PA)

Authorities in Bangladesh were evacuating hundreds of thousands of people across its vast coastal region on Monday as a tropical storm approached amid fears of extensive damage.

The government halted operations by all river vessels across the country, closed three airports and asked fishing boats to return from the deep sea and remain anchored in the Bay of Bengal.