Staff Reporter :
The Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief has issued a directive for six coastal districts to brace for potential cyclone impacts.
The districts of Satkhira, Bagerhat, Khulna, Barguna, Patuakhali, and Bhola have been advised to take special precautions as they lie in the probable path of the approaching storm.
Disaster Management and Relief Minister Mohammad Mahibbur Rahman conveyed the directives during a meeting at the ministry on Friday.
“The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) may issue great danger signal number 10 between 12 a.m. on Saturday and 1 a.m. on Sunday,” Rahman stated.
Late Friday night, the BMD reported that a deep low-pressure system had developed in the Bay of Bengal, which weather forecasters warn could escalate into a cyclone by Saturday night.
The director of the BMD, Azizur Rahman, informed the media that the system could intensify into a severe cyclone,’ potentially making landfall on Sunday evening.
Azizur Rahman further cautioned that the cyclone could bring heavy to very heavy rainfall across various regions, particularly impacting the coastal areas.
The exact trajectory and strength of the cyclone remain under close observation, with continuous updates expected from meteorological experts.
Addressing the preparedness measures, Disaster Minister Mohammad Mahibbur Rahman emphasised the country’s track record in disaster management.
“In the last 15 years, with thorough monitoring and guidance in all disasters, including cyclones, we have been able to effectively reduce human suffering and minimise damage to life and property. We are prepared to tackle this cyclone with the same consistency,” Rahman asserted.
The Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief is coordinating with local administrations to ensure readiness, including the deployment of emergency response teams, the stockpilingof relief materials, and the setting up of temporary shelters.
The authorities urge residents in the potentially affected districts to remain vigilant, follow official instructions, and prepare for possible evacuations.
Addressing the preparedness measures, State Minister for Disaster Management Mohibbur Rahman stated, “We have directed the district administrators and upazila executive officers of vulnerable areas to take local preparedness measures by holding discussions with them.
All adjacent districts have been instructed to prepare for the cyclone. Special directives have been issued to Satkhira, Bagerhat, Khulna, Barguna, Patuakhali, and Bhola districts, which are more prone to receiving early warnings and possible landfall.”
Rahman added, “For the past week, we have been monitoring this cyclone. The BMD is closely monitoring the situation, providing regular forecasts, and collaborating by providing information and resources for anticipatory actions and relief efforts.
We are also in regular contact with the regional specialised meteorological centres in India. Additionally, we are regularly evaluating various reliable international forecast models and undertaking timely actions.”
The Disaster Management Department has initiated human assistance and relief operations.
The Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP) has mobilised 78,000 volunteers to work on shelter inspection and preparedness activities for several days, the meeting disclosed.
As part of cyclone preparedness, several measures have been decided upon, including issuing advance warnings to the public, raising awareness, adopting anticipatory humanitarian measures, holding coordination meetings with field administrations and various levels of disaster management committees, opening control rooms at all levels, preparing shelters, and arranging dry food, baby food, and cattle feed at shelters. Plans are also in place for evacuating people to shelters as needed.
The meeting also reminded the public of the toll-free number 1090 for obtaining disaster information.
The Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief is coordinating with local administrations to ensure readiness, including the deployment of emergency response teams and the stockpiling of relief materials.
Authorities urge residents in the potentially affected districts to remain vigilant, follow official instructions, and prepare for possible evacuations.
On the other hand, Director of the Meteorological Department, Azizur Rahman, told the media, “We believe that the clone ‘Remal’ could intensify into a severe one. It could potentially make landfall somewhere between Khulna and Khepupara in Patuakhali.
The affected area could extend further than expected. There is a possibility of the cyclone making landfall in the Sundarbans of the coastal area.”
When the wind speed of the generated wind reaches between 62 and 88 kilometres per hour within an hour, it is termed a ‘cyclone’ or tropical cyclone. If the wind speed reaches between 89 and 117 kilometres per hour, then it is referred to as a ‘severe cyclone.’
And when the wind speed reaches between 118 and 219 kilometres per hour within an hour, it is called a very severe cyclone.’ If the wind speed exceeds 220 kilometres per hour, it is termed a “super cyclone.’
The impact of the cyclone’s leading edge, or front portion, will be noticeable on Sunday morning, according to Azizur Rahman.