Around 116 medical teams, 5,280 volunteers and 548 shelters have been prepared to face Sitrang, a severe cyclone which is approaching Bangladesh.
This information was revealed in a preparatory meeting of Khulna District Disaster Management Committee that took place on Monday afternoon at the deputy commissioner's conference room, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Md Moniruzzaman Talukder.
“Announcements through loudspeakers about the cyclone awareness have already occurred in all coastal areas. Everyone should be taken to a safe place as soon as possible,” said Moniruzzaman.
“The concerned departments of the government should be prepared to keep telephone, electricity and road communication uninterrupted during the disaster. More attention needs to be paid to Koira, Dakop and Paikgacha upazilas of Khulna,” he added.
He also said that a total of 548 shelters have been prepared in the coastal area of Khulna district to deal with Cyclone Sitrang. Out of which, there are 118 shelters in Dakop, 23 in Batiaghata, 25 in Dumuria, 118 in Koira, 108 in Paikgacha, 22 in Terokhada, 38 in Rupsha , 25 in Phultala and 71 in Digholia upazila so that people can take shelter.
A total of 116 medical teams have been formed comprising five in each upazila and one in each union. Doctors, nurses, medicines and ambulances have been kept ready to provide round-the-clock services in the emergency departments of district-upazila level government hospitals, he added.
“5,280 CPP volunteers have been on high alert to assist the general people during calamities,” he said.
“Saline water treatment plants from the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief have been kept ready, each of which can supply clean drinking water to 4,000 people,” he added.
Khulna Centre of Bangladesh Betar has been broadcasting weather forecasts at regular intervals for the public, the meeting informed.
Members of the Navy, police, Ansar, fire service, civil defense and Red Crescent have been ready to deal with any emergency situation, the meeting added.
Besides, a control room has been opened at Khulna District Commissioner's office to deal with disaster situations. The phone number of the control room is-024-77726592 and mobile number is-01322875550.
The meeting was attended by Superintendent of Police Muhammad Mahbub Hasan, Civil Surgeon Dr Sujat Ahmed, Additional Deputy Commissioner (general) Md Sadikur Rahman Khan, officials of public and private departments, NGO representatives and disaster management committee members.
Cyclone Sitrang is likely to intensify further, move in a north-northeasterly direction and cross Barisal-Chittagong coast near Khepupara by midnight Monday or early morning Tuesday, said the latest Met office bulletin.