Shawdesk:

Local authorities in Bagerhat district on Monday said that vulnerable people would be evacuated to cyclone shelters to save lives as cyclone Sitrang was approaching towards Bangladeshi coast with a forecast to hit the country by early Tuesday.

The government has kept a total of 344 cyclone shelters ready in nine upazilas of the coastal district, which can accommodate around two lakh people along with their cattle.

Mohammad Azizur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Bagerhat, said that they were working to ensure that the impact of the cyclone could have minimum damage.

“We’ve taken allout preparations to face Sitrang by keeping dry food, medical teams and rescue teams ready,” he said.

In the district’s Sharonkhola, Mongla, Rampal and Morelganj upazilas, the local administration has been asking people to go to the nearest cyclone shelters through loudspeakers.

Heavy rains have been reported in the district.

Mongla Meteorological Department has recorded 29mm rain from 6:00am to 9:00am on Monday morning. Rising water has started to inundate the low-lying areas, while high tide was impacting the Sundarbans.

The Mongla Seaport is also bearing the brunt. All kinds of loading and unloading of goods at the port have been suspended, while vessels have been asked to stay close to the shore.

A 30km-long embankment that protects Bagerhat from high tide is currently at risk too.

According to Bagerhat Water Development Board (WDB), at least 100km of areas could go under water if Sitrang damages the embankment.

“The wind is blowing at a speed of 62kph within 54km of the cyclone centre, which has the possibility of reaching 88kph. We’ve asked the Mongla Port authorities to hoist cautionary signal no 7,” said Amaresh Chandra Dhali, Officer (acting) of Mongla Met Office.