State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr Md Enamur Rahman Wednesday said the government has taken necessary preparations to combat the cyclonic storm “Fani”.
“We have made allout preparations to tackle the cyclone ‘Fani’ as it is likely to hit Bangladesh on May 4 (Saturday) in a weaken form following striking the Indian coast,” he told journalists at a press briefing after attending a meeting at the ministry’s conference room in the city, report agencies.
He said necessary control rooms have been opened in 19 coastal districts of the country, adding that the concerned people have been asked to remain watchful to counter the storm.
The concern district administrations have been informed to stay alert where the storm may hit, he said, adding “Already 56 thousand volunteers are ready in this regard.”
He also called upon the Red Crescent Society, Fire Service and nearby hospitals to remain prepared for it.
The State Minister asked the concerned authority to utilize school, college and madrasa as cyclone shelter if needed saying “Make those building strong enough for sheltering.” Secretary of Disaster Management and Relief Ministry Md Shah Kamal was present on the occasion.
The maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to hoist local warning signal No 4 as the very severe cyclonic storm "Fani" over the West Central Bay and adjoining area moved northwestwards further over the same area.
It was centring at 6.0pm on Wednesday about 1205 kms southwest of Chattogram port, 1160kms southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 1060 kms southwest of Mongla port and1070 kms southwest of Payra port.
An emergency meeting on preparedness to face cyclone Fani was held at the secretariat on Wednesday.
State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr Enamur Rahman said from the current direction of the cyclone it is being assumed that it will hit India's Odisha state, then the West Bengal and then Bangladesh's Khulna and Satkhira region.
"But if the cyclone changes its course and moves towards Bangladesh then it will hit Khulna, Mongla, Satkhira, Chattoram and Cox's Bazar in weaken form," he said.
Maximum sustained wind speed within 74 kms of the storm centre is about 160 kph rising to 180 kph in gusts/squalls. Sea will remain very high near the cyclone centre.
All fishing boats and trawlers over the North Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution sothat they can take shelter within a short notice. They have also been advised notto venture into the deep sea.
