KHULNA, May 25, 2024 (BSS) - Khulna district administration has taken all-out  preparations to deal with severe cyclonic storm 'Remal' that may hit the coastal belts of Bangladesh tomorrow evening.

Due to the impact of the severe cyclone, many parts of Khulna may be inundated with high tides, according to the forecast of the meteorological department.

The Khulna District Development and Coordination Committee in an emergency meeting held at the deputy commissioner's conference room today, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Khondokar Yasir Arefin, decided to keep standby medical teams with adequate relief materials including drinking water and dry foods in all shelter centres during pre and post-cyclone situation.

Heads of various district-level departments and all upazila nirbahi officers joined the meeting.

Talking to BSS, DC Arefin today said necessary steps have already been taken so that people and their livestock near coastal areas can safely take refuge in the cyclone shelters.

He said a total of 604 cyclone shelter centres and three ‘Mujib Kella’ have been opened in all coastal upazilas of the district so that people can take shelter there.

Leaves of all officials, employees, doctors and nurses have been cancelled and they have been kept standby to face any adverse situation caused by the cyclonic storm, he added.

Over 5,280 volunteers including members of the Red Crescent Society, 168 medical teams with health workers have taken preparation to deal with the upcoming disaster, he said, adding, "Announcement through loudspeakers about the cyclone awareness begins today in all coastal areas and it will be continued till further notice."

All UNOs and local public representatives will take people to cyclone shelters after hoisting danger signal 7 by the BMD.

He said safe pure drinking water, and dry foods have been sent to the coastal areas and cash aids are ready for distribution.

"Special preparations have been taken for three more risky coastal upazilas like Koyra, Paikgacha and Dakop in the district," he added.

The authorities concerned and agencies seperately opened several control rooms to monitor the pre and post-cyclonic situation.

Meanwhile, all fishing boats and trawlers over the Bay of Bengal have been asked to take shelter at the Mongla Port Jetty and coastal areas till further notice.

Loading and unloading of containers have been asked to cancel and all ships, and vessels have also been asked to take shelter at the port jetty after danger signal 7 is hoisted, said Md Makruzzaman, deputy director of Public Relation of Mongla Port Authority today.

The MPA also asked to ensure safe drinking water at all ships, vessels and to turn school and collegees as cyclone shelters, he said.

The decision was taken in a meeting held at the MPA auditorium with chairman Rear Admiral Shaheen Rahman in the chair.

High officials of local administrations including Navy, Coast Guard, Forest, Fire Service, among others were present.