Online Desk: Local administration has kept 409 cyclone centres prepared for sheltering 2,73,850 people as a deep depression over the Bay turned into Cyclonic storm ‘Mocha’and it is likely to cross Bangladesh on May 14. Khulna Khandaker Deputy Commissioner Yeasir Arefin said the government has opened 409 cyclone shelters in the district so that people can take shelter if needed.

He said a meeting of the disaster management committee will be held at 3:30 pm today. District relief and rehabilitation officer Abdul Karim said the upazila level officials were asked to remain in their respective workplaces and take precautionary measures. They were also asked to take steps to inform people about the danger signal through loudspeakers.

Amirul Azad, in-charge of Khulna Weather Observatory Centre, said due to the impact of cyclone ‘Mocha’ heavy rains accompanied by gusty wind may lash the district on May 13. However, unless the direction is changed, there is no possibility of the cyclone hitting the Khulna coast,  he said.

Regarding cyclone preparations, state minister for Disaster Management and Relief Enamur Rahman on Wednesday said , “We are acting in accordance with the SOD (Standing Orders on Disasters). I have communicated with field personnel. The forecast indicates that Cox’s Bazaar is the most vulnerable. Most at risk are the low-lying areas of St. Martin Island and Teknaf.”

Enamur Rahman said the authorities will start moving people to cyclone shelters if  the cyclone danger signal reaches 5, 6 or 7. The state minister said the army, the navy and the coastguard are also ready. “We hope to bring down the loss of life and property to zero (if it strikes),” he added.