The local administration has prepared over 1,000 shelters in the Chittagong district as the very severe cyclonic storm Mocha is likely to cross Cox's Bazar-Myanmar's north coast by 6pm on Sunday.
The authorities concerned will start the evacuation process from Saturday afternoon, said Deputy Commissioner Abul Bashar Mohammed Fakhruzzaman.
According to the sources at local administration, the authorities concerned have opened 530 permanent and 500 temporary cyclone centres in the district where 501,110 people can be accommodated.
Besides, 8,880 volunteers under Cyclone Preparedness Program (CPP) and 8,000 more under Red Crescent Society are ready to evacuate people.
Fire service and Civil Defence, navy, coast guard rescue boats and medical teams with adequate equipment are also ready.
Among the cyclone centres, 112 were opened in Fatikchhari, 18 in Hathazari, 85 in Mirsharai, 217 in Rangunia, two in Raozan, 116 in Sandwip, 25 in Sitakunda, 122 in Banshkhali, eight in Boalkhali, six in Chandanaish, 126 in Patiya, four in Satkania, 58 in Anwara, 28 in Lohagara, and 10 in Karnafuli upazilas of the district.
The local administration has provided dry foods, drinking water and cash at the centres.
Besides, 94 cyclone centres were opened in Chittagong port city where 608 tons of rice, 3.5 tons of biscuits, 3.402 tons of dry cakes, 30,000 packets of oral rehydration solutions (ORS) saline and 60,000 tablets for purifying water were allocated.
“We are ready to tackle Cyclone Mocha and all the upazila nirbahi officers and upazila project implementation officers have been asked to take necessary steps,” said Fakhruzzaman.
Cox's Bazar and adjoining coastal regions will experience the peripheral effect of the very severe cyclonic storm by Saturday evening, said a special bulletin of the met office.
The coastal districts of Cox's Bazar, Chittagong, Feni, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Chandpur, Bhola and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by the wind driven surge height of 8-12 feet above normal tide.
Maritime ports of Cox's Bazar and Chittagong have been advised to keep hoisted great danger signal 8 while maritime ports of Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted local warning signal 4.