The severe cyclonic storm Dana has triggered rainfall across coastal regions, including Khulna and Satkhida.
In Khulna, heavy rain began around 11am on Wednesday and continued intermittently until 2pm. After a brief pause, the rain resumed at 1:45am, varying between light and heavy downpours.
Assistant Meteorologist Md Amirul Azad from the Khulna Meteorological Department confirmed that local warning signal number 3 had been issued for the seaports of Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Mongla, and Payra due to the cyclone.
Meteorologist Shahanaz Sultana said: "The current path of the cyclone shows no significant threat to Bangladesh. However, if it shifts eastward, there could be a risk."
She added that heavy rainfall is expected in southern regions, especially Khulna and Barisal, with the possibility of light gusty winds in Khulna. Other areas of the country may also experience scattered rain.
In response to Cyclone Dana, Khulna has prepared 604 cyclone shelters, which can accommodate over 300,000 people.
More than 5,000 volunteers are also ready if the cyclone hits. Government officials have been instructed to remain at their posts, with dry food and medicines ready for distribution. The fire service, police, navy, and coast guard are all on standby.
Khulna Deputy Commissioner Md Saiful Islam said a disaster management committee meeting was held on Wednesday afternoon, confirming that the 604 shelters are prepared to house 315,180 people from high-risk areas.
In Satkhira, the weather has worsened significantly, with heavy cloud cover and increasing darkness as time progresses.
In response to the situation, all leave for government officials and employees has been cancelled.
A total of 887 cyclone shelters, capable of accommodating 443,000 people, have been opened.
The district has about 700km of embankments, with 5km considered at risk.
Efforts to repair the risky dam are ongoing. Essential supplies, including baby food, dry rations, clean drinking water, emergency relief items, and geo-bags, along with boats, have been prepared.
Zulfikar Ali, acting officer of Satkhira Meteorological Department, said that this district will experience heavy rainfall due to the cyclone with rising river waters in coastal areas.
The cyclone is moving towards India's Odisha and West Bengal states and it may not have a severe impact on the district but, strong winds are anticipated.
Explaining the preparedness, Satkhira Deputy Commissioner Mostak Ahmed said extensive measures have been taken so that people can take refuge at shelter centres.
The severe cyclonic storm Dana over the east-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal has moved north-northwest and now lies over west-central Bay and adjoining northwest Bay, with some coastal areas expected to see rain.
At 6am on Thursday, it was centred about 595km southwest of Chittagong port, 555km southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 485km South of Mongla port and 475km south-southwest of Payra port.
It is likely to move in a north-northwesterly direction further, according to a special bulletin of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) issued on Thursday morning.
Our Khulna correspondent Hedait Hossain contributed to this report
