The government is fully prepared to face the possible severe cyclonic storm ‘Sitrang’, which is likely to cross the coastal area of Bangladesh between Barisal and Chattogram Division today. The cyclone is likely to make landfall between Tinkona Island and Sandwip near Barisal early today morning.
All government officials concerned and volunteers of different organizations have been asked to take all out preparations in all coastal belts. State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr Md Enamur said they are maintaining constant communication with local administration and potentially vulnerable districts have been instructed to take preparation in advance. Mongla and Payra seaports have been asked to show danger signal number 7 and Chittagong seaport and Cox's Bazar to show danger signal number 6.
The government must
take necessary steps to move
people from the cyclone’s
path at the right time
The low-lying areas of the coastal districts of Satkhira, Khulna, Bagherhat, Jhalokathi, Pirojpur, Borguna, Patuakhali, Bhola, Barishal, Laxmipur, Chandpur, Noakhali, Feni, Chattogram, Cox's Bazar and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by the wind-driven surge height of 05-07 feet above normal astronomical tide under the peripheral effect of the cyclone, the new moon phase, and steep pressure gradient. A flash flood is likely to occur in few places of the south-eastern region of the country.
A large number of people lost their lives during different types of severe cyclonic storm like Sidr, Aila and Amphan over the last few years. Apart from killing people, these strong cyclonic storms destroyed houses, crop lands and poultry farms, washed away fish ponds, uprooted trees and breached dams and embankments, leaving a trail of devastation along coast of the country.
People must remain cautious and aware to reduce risks of natural calamities as cyclone is approaching nearer. We think as the early warning system has been developed, people living in coastal areas before, during and after can protect their lives and property from cyclonic storm ‘Sitrang’ if they remain alert abiding by all instructions.
The government must take necessary steps to move people from the cyclone’s path at the right time. Local administration should act promptly following the government directives in this regard.
