KHULNA, May 26, 2024 (BSS) - As the cyclone 'Remal' is approaching the coastal areas of the country and the met office asked the Mongla and Payra ports to hoist danger signal 10, the local administration has kept ready 604 shelter centres to accommodate evacuated people for safety.

The authorities asked people to take shelters at the nearby cyclone centres as early as possible while the government officials, the Coast Guard personnel and volunteers have started evacuation campaign.

A trawler reportedly sunk near Mongla port in an apparent impact of the severe cyclone and rivers in adjoining areas is already inundated by high tide of 1 to 2 feet.

Rain has begun this morning and cloudy weather is prevailing at all coastal upazilas in the region.

Talking to BSS, Khulna Deputy Commissioner Khondokar Yasir Arefin said the district administration has prepared 604 cyclone centres and three 'Mujib Kella' for 3,15,610 people and opened control rooms in all nine upazilas and DC's office.

People will take refuge in shelter centres with their livestock by this afternoon, he hoped.

All UNOs have been asked to take action to evacuate coastal people before cyclone 'Remal' hit, he added.

Leave of all officials, employees, doctors and nurses has been cancelled and kept them standby to face any situation due to the cyclonic storm.

Over 5,280 volunteers including members of the Red Crescent Society, 168 medical teams with health workers have taken preparation to cope with the upcoming disaster, the DC said.

"Announcement through loudspeakers about the cyclone awareness begun today in all coastal areas and it will be continued till further notice," he added.

He went on saying that safe pure drinking water and dry foods have been sent to the coastal areas and cash assistance is ready for distribution.

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

Local chairmen of Koyra, Paikgachha, Batiaghata and Dakop of Khulna and Gabura union of Satkhira said there are at least 41 kilometers of embankments in Khulna and Satkhira.

Md Aser Ali Mondal, Chairman of Daxin Bedkeshi Union of Koyra Upazila, said people are feared as the 10 km embankment is risky in the coastal areas.

All fishing boats and trawlers over the Bay are taking shelter at the Mongla Port Jetty and coastal areas.

Loading and unloading have been cancelled in the MPA jetty till further notice, said Md Makruzzaman, deputy director of public relations of Mongla Port Authority.

"A total of six foreign ships have been anchored at the MPA jetty and lighter ships have docked at the bank of Rupsha Rivers and adjacent areas," he said.

All type of vessels has also been anchored at the banks of the Rupsha and Bhairab rivers as a control room was also opened, he added.