KHULNA, May 26, 2024 (BSS) - More than three lakh people were evacuated to cyclone shelters in the coastal districts of Khulna division as super cyclonic storm ‘Remal’ approaches the Bangladesh coasts, officials said.

Reports from different coastal districts said at least 3.20 lakh people have already been evacuated at safe centers in all coastal upazilas of Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat and Barguna districts.

Met office said Mongla and Payra Sea Ports as well as its neighbouring coastal districts, offshore islands and chars have been hoisting great danger signal number 10.

Khulna district relief and rehabilitation officer Abdul Karim told BSS today that 604 cyclone shelters have already been set up in the coastal upazilas in Khulna adjacent to the Sundarbans, including 108 in Dacope, 116 in Koira, 45 in Paikgacha and 23 in Batiaghata.

He, however, said over 3.15 lakh people and around 560 live stocks can be evacuated at the cyclone centers.

To minimize damages from the cyclone, at least 5,280 volunteers of different organisations, including Red Crescent and CPP, are working in different regions, he said, adding that over 1,000 more volunteers from non-government organizations (NGOs) are also in action.

 Khulna Deputy Commissioner Khondokar Yasir Arefin said 604 shelters and three ‘Mujib Killas’ have already been set up in Khulna to avoid possible damages from the cyclone.

A huge number of packets of dry food, cash Taka, fresh drinking water, rice and a lot of medicines are put available in the four coastal districts.

Under the influence of cyclonic storm ‘Remal’, the Mongla Port Authority (MPA) has already suspended its all activities, including loading and unloading of goods, MPA officials said.

As the heavy rain started since the afternoon due to influence of the cyclone, many areas of law lying areas including Sundarbans have been inundated with 3 to 4 feet high tides in the Bay of Bengal,