The district administration, police and emergency services of the coastal areas are highly prepared and on alert to counter and mitigate any damages caused by severe cyclone Fani, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal has said.
He made the observation at a press conference, held after an inter-ministerial meeting on building safe buildings, at the Secretariat on Thursday.
The minister said: "The people of the coastal regions are well-acquainted with natural disasters. They are also aware of how to fight disasters."
He added: "The ministry is coordinating with the people to reduce any damage that might be caused by the cyclone."
The Fire Service, Ansar, police, BGB, and other forces have been instructed to stay alert, Kamal said.
"If necessary, the members of different emergency services can get in the field at the shortest notice," he said. "The district police are on constant communication with the upazilas."
The ports of Mongla and Payra have been advised to hoist danger signal no seven as severe cyclonic storm Fani draws nearer. Khulna and adjoining southwestern coastal areas will feel the peripheral effect of the cyclone by Friday morning.
The coastal districts of Bhola, Barguna, Patuakhali, Barisal, Pirozpur, Jhalakathi, Bagherhat, Khulna, Satkhira and their offshore islands and chars will also come under danger signal seven.
The maritime port of Chittagong has been advised to lower local warning signal no four and hoist danger signal no six.
The coastal districts of Chittagong, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur and their offshore islands and chars will also come under signal six.
Fishing ports of Cox’s Bazar have been advised to keep hoisted local warning signal no four.
