Eleven unions of low-lying areas of Noakhali's Hatia upazila are likely to be inundated by tidal surges due to the influence of Cyclone Mocha.
Flood control dams are under threat. Due to adverse weather conditions, the entire country's maritime communication with Hatia has been suspended since Saturday morning. As a result, thousands of passengers are stranded in various areas including Hatia.
The embankment in Sonadia 7 no ward was damaged in various places. Locals fear that the embankment may sink when the high tide comes.
There was no rain on Saturday. However, the sky started drizzling in the evening and the wave level was higher than normal, causing panic among the locals.
Although there is less tendency of locals to go to the 463 shelters prepared by the district administration from Sunday morning, some people including children and old people have started going to the shelters, said the district administration.
Throughout the day, volunteers have been miking and blaring sirens urging locals to go to shelters.
Nijhum Island Union Parishad Chairman Dinaj Uddin said: "There is no embankment in Nijhum Island with an area of 81 square kilometres. As a result, the residents of Nijhum Island are the most affected by natural disasters every year. We fear that the amount of damage in Nijhum Island will be more in Cyclone Mocha."
Nalchira Union Parishad Chairman Mansur Ullah Shiblu said: "Wind speed has increased a lot in Nalchira area. This union has a 4km embankment. If the embankment breaks in the tidal water, there is a fear of flooding in many low-lying areas."
Hatia has a total of 110km of flood control dams. Some of the points of the embankment are risky.
Noakhali Deputy Commissioner Dewan Mahbubur Rahman said: "463 shelters have been prepared in Noakhali to deal with cyclone Mocha. As many as 303,600 people can take shelter there. Besides, more than 8,000 volunteers are ready to face the cyclone. Some 102 medical teams have been prepared by the health department."
The leave of the officers and employees of all government institutions working in Noakhali has been cancelled. 242 shelters are ready in Hatia, an isolated island of Noakhali, he added.
