With the looming threat of Cyclone Mocha over the coastal areas of Barguna, the district administration has prepared a total of 642 cyclone shelters to provide refuge.
A district disaster management committee has also been formed to provide assistance, said Barguna Deputy Commissioner Habibur Rahman at a meeting in his office's conference room on Thursday.
Upazila nirbahi officers (UNOs), along with officials from the district and disaster management offices were present at the meeting.
The commissioner confirmed that, upon receipt of instructions, arrangements would be initiated to move individuals from vulnerable regions to the shelters.
To face the cyclone, a total of 8,460 volunteers from the Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP), 300 from the Red Crescent Society, 150 from JagoNari, 355 from Brac, and 350 from Rover Scout, have been mobilized in the district's four coastal upazilas, he added.
Rahman also mentioned that fishing boats in the sea and various rivers had been directed to seek safe shelter.
Local public representatives have issued warnings to residents at risk, urging them to seek shelter if the cyclone strikes their area, he added.
The district has a history of cyclone-induced devastation. Super Cyclone Amphan affected parts of Pathorghata and Taltali upazila of Barguna, as well as areas of Betagi and Sadar upazila, on May 20, 2020.
Extensive damage was also caused by Cyclone Aila on May 25, 2009, primarily in areas outside the embankment and grazing fields.
Moreover, about 200 people lost their lives due to Cyclone Sidr in the district on November 15, 2007.
