Sidr Goes In Near Indian/Bangladeshi Border - Top Winds 155 MPH, 20-Foot Surge - AFP

A powerful cyclone packing winds of up to 240 kilometres (155 miles) an hour has hit Bangladesh's southern coast, the director of the country's meteorological department told AFP Thursday. "The cyclone has battered Bangladeshi coastal areas. The centre of the cyclone is crossing the Khulna-Barishal coast near the Baleshswar river," Samarendra Karmakar said.

The area is close to Bangladesh's border with the Indian state of West Bengal, which is also expecting highly destructive winds and torrential rains.

Cyclone Sidr, visible in satellite images as a huge swirling white mass over the Bay of Bengal, was also expected to unleash tidal surges of up to six metres (20 feet) in some areas.

"The velocity of the wind in that area is 220 to 240 kilometres. There is a violent storm," the official said, but added that few details were emerging from the area. He said most people there should already have been evacuated or are in cyclone shelters or government buildings.

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