Residents of St Martin's Island in Teknaf, Cox's Bazar, are leaving the island due to the imminent threat of Cyclone Mocha in the Bay of Bengal.
Those who are still in settlements are also afraid of what destruction the cyclone may cause.
Local authorities have issued warnings to the islanders and have stepped up surveillance on St Martin's and Shahpari islands in the Naf River, another vulnerable coastal region.
The Bangladesh Navy is also prepared to respond to the situation.
The local administration has arranged 87 government and private shelters, along with numerous hotels, motels and rest houses for the local residents.
They have asked the navy, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), police, coast guard, fire service, medical teams and volunteers to remain prepared for St Martin's and Shahpari islands, which have been designated as special zones.
A low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining area has intensified into cyclonic storm Mocha.
As a result, the weather department issued a distant cautionary signal No 2, replacing signal No 1, for Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra seaports on Thursday.
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Kamruzzaman stated: "Special attention is being given to St Martin's Island, which is situated in the middle of the sea. Our navy is ready for any disaster management on the island. Additionally, members of the BGB, police and coast guard are also on high alert."
"More than a hundred shelters, including hotels and motels, have already been prepared on St Martin's and Shahpari islands. Hotlines have been opened. Residents of the two islands are being encouraged to move to shelters," he added.
He further mentioned: "The residents will be taken to institutional shelters with the help of law enforcement, volunteers and local representatives. Arrangements have been made for adequate relief supplies, and schools, weather offices, post offices and hotels have been instructed to remain open so that people can take shelter."
Abdul Aziz, a resident of St Martin's Island, said some people have already left the island.
“We are also thinking of moving to Teknaf with our family. The island, being a low-lying area, might be hit if the cyclone comes. Our condition is not good as before. The island floods with small rises in sea level,” he said.
"We have heard that Cyclone Mocha is powerful. Everyone on the island, like me, is afraid," he added.
The local union parishad chairman, Mujibur Rahman, said the situation to evacuate coastal people has not arisen yet; however, the islanders are being alerted in every village.
“Alongside the shelters and hotels, 1,300 volunteers of the Cyclone Preparedness Program (CPP) have been prepared on the island,” he added.
Teknaf-2 BGB Battalion Commander Lt Colonel Mohiuddin Ahmed said they are keeping a special watch on St Martin's and Shahpari islands as there is a fear that Mocha may turn into a super cyclone.
“We are always prepared to deal with disasters,” he added.