In preparation for the impending Cyclone Mocha, Khulna has readied 409 shelter centres, 116 medical teams and 5,280 volunteers.
This information was disclosed at an emergency meeting of the disaster management committee held at the district commissioner's office on Thursday afternoon.
Deputy Commissioner Khandaker Yasir Arefin said that 409 shelters, including government and non-government primary and secondary schools as well as various private institutions, are being readied.
“Special emphasis is being placed on ensuring the quick opening of these shelters when necessary, with instructions given to ensure that keys are readily available. Additionally, the Power Division has been directed to take necessary anticipatory measures,” he said.
The meeting revealed that among the 409 shelters, 24 are multipurpose and 385 are school-cum-shelters with a capacity of accommodating about 273,850 people.
The shelters are spread through different upazilas – 118 in Dakop, 117 in Koyra, 27 in Botiaghata, 32 in Paikgasa, 25 in Dumuria, 39 in Rupsha, 13 in Fultola and 16 in Digholi
Dhaka TribuneOther local schools and colleges are also being prepared so that people can take shelter there as well if necessary.
Khulna Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Abdul Karim said that officials at the upazila level have been alerted and will make public announcements in their respective areas if a disaster signal is issued.
“Officials and employees have been instructed to stay at their respective workplaces. Furthermore, 5,280 volunteers have been readied for assistance,” he said.
“As emergency relief assistance, food and more than Tk10 lakh have been prepared for the post-cyclone rehabilitation,” he added.
Khulna Civil Sergeon's office representative Dr Sadia Monowara Usha stated that 116 medical teams have been prepared.
“Five teams have been stationed in each upazila and one team in each union. Also, a necessary number of ambulances and boat services are being prepared,” she added.
Amirul Azad, in charge of the Khulna Weather Observatory Centre, said the cyclone's current trajectory is towards India's Odisha, Bangladesh's Satkhira and Khulna.
However, the cyclone's path could change by Friday, he said, adding that if Mocha's path shifts, it might be directed towards Myanmar and Cox's Bazar.
"We can confirm the main path of the cyclone by May 12. We will be able to issue a disaster signal 48 hours before the final impact,” Azad concluded.
