Dhaka (Barta24.com): All preparations are taken to face the consequences after the serious cyclone ‘Foni’ hit the coastal belt of the country. Due the impact of ’Fani’ the Bay of Bengal has become very restless. The cyclone is gradually gathering strength compelling the authority to hoist warning signal no.4 till next instruction. The fish trawlers have been directed to stay near the coast.
According to weathear forecast office, the cyclone Foni is now located about 1000 kilometers away from Chattogram, Mongla and Paira sea ports. However becoming intensified it may proceed towards North-West direction. At the centre point of the cyclone the speed of the wind is getting stronger from 160 kms. to 180 kms. The sky is however is still clear though in the coastal areas stormy wind is blowing.
In view of Fani attack the upazilla administration and the port authorities of Chattogram, Mongla, Paira and Cox’s Bazar poura authority are taking preparation. Besides the members of Cyclone Preparation Program(CPP) are also ready.
Assistant Director of CPP Mesbaur Rasid said that the cyclone is still about 1000 kms. away from Bangladesh. So the coastal people should not be worried. In 40 upazillas the administration held meetings with our members. We are ready. On the basis of the impact of the cyclone our members and administration would jointly work. If necessary at the government instruction the coastal people will be shifted to safe places.
In the meeting held at the secretariat the Director of Weather Forecasting directorate Shamsuddin Ahmed said that Foni is about 1000 kms. away locating at the deep sea. If it hit our coastal areas through Mongla then that might cause enormous damage. But if it comes through West Bengal and Odissa states of India then it is likely to become weaker. That may not cause much any damage.
In the meeting Disaster Management State Minister Dr. Enamur Rahman told that the cyclone may proceed to Dinajpur via Khulna, Satkhira and Rangpur. Simultaneously it may hit Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar. However, Foni might hit in the morning of Saturday (May 4), he said.
Mongla Port Authority Harbor Master Commander Nurul Huda said that we are monitoring the movement of the cyclone. Until Wednesday the work at the port including the berthing of ships, loading and unloading of goods were normal. Initiatives have been taken to accommodate the coastal people in 78 cyclone shelters and also in other multi-storied buildings along with dry food and medicine.
In a meeting with the journalists at Chattogram circuit house DC (in charge) Md. Delwar Hossain informed that we have taken all preparations regarding the strike of Foni after the Disaster Management ministry announced warning signal no. 4. He said that health department have been asked to be ready necessary medicine and ambulances.
DC (in charge) of Cox’s Bazar Md. Ashraful Afsar said that all UNOs have been instructed to take all necessary preparations to tackle Fani if it hit our coastal district prone to cyclone. Simultaneously meeting with the Refugee Repatriation Commissioner was held to ensure the safety of the Rohingyas living at Ukhia and Teknaf camps.