The Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief has instructed six coastal districts in Bangladesh to prepare for cyclone Remal, which is projected to make landfall by Sunday evening.
The affected districts are Satkhira, Bagerhat, Khulna, Barguna, Patuakhali, and Bhola.
This directive follows forecasts regarding the cyclone’s trajectory and potential landfall zones.
State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief, Md Mohibur Rahman, announced the directive during a ministry meeting on Saturday. He stated that cyclone Remal is expected to hit the coastal regions of Satkhira in Khulna and Cox’s Bazar in Chittagong by Sunday evening.
Approximately 4,000 shelter centers in the coastal districts have been prepared, stocked with adequate dry food, he mentioned at a press briefing held at the Secretariat on Saturday.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) might issue great danger signal number 10 between 12am Saturday and 1am Sunday, the minister added.
Maritime ports have been advised to maintain local cautionary signals No. 1, with No. 3 signal expected to be issued shortly.
A total of 80,000 volunteers are ready to respond to the situation, with all necessary preparations in place, said Mohibur Rahman.
He also warned that parts of Satkhira and Cox’s Bazar could be severely impacted by the storm, including a potential tidal surge of seven to 10 feet, heavy rainfall, and landslides in the hilly areas of Chittagong.
Additionally, Coast Guard members have been conducting awareness campaigns along the Mongla coast to prepare for cyclone Remal.
Lt Md Muntasir Ibn Mohsin, media officer of Mongla Coast Guard West Zone, stated that a low-pressure system has formed in the Bay of Bengal and is expected to develop into a cyclonic storm. The Coast Guard is actively raising awareness in coastal areas to protect residents, fishermen, and boats from the impending natural disaster.
