Cyclone Bulbul: Constant rain, gusty winds persist in Satkhira
Fishermen, honey hunters and labourers safely returned from the Sundarbans but some fishermen who went to the deep sea could not be tracked as yet
Still haunted by the memories of the atrocious cyclones Sidr in 2007 and Aila two years later, the people of Satkhira are going to face yet another severe cyclonic storm - Bulbul.
The south-western district of the country spent the entire Saturday facing inclement weather accompanied by drizzles and gusty winds getting intense at times.
Darkness fell on the south-western district long before the daylight faded. People were alarmed soon after the district administration hoisted the great danger signal 10 in the afternoon.
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Earlier in the morning, the authorities began evacuations in remote localities to move people to cyclone shelters, although the process was hampered due to non-stop rain.
Besides, many in the district, including the people of the riskiest Gabura Union Parishad were reluctant to leave their properties including livestock behind. But the authorities forcefully shifted them to safer places.
Water levels were on the rise in rivers adjacent to the Sundarbans. High tides at night might worsen the situation as the locals feared. Fishermen, honey hunters and labourers safely got back from the Sundarbans, but some fishermen who went to the deep sea could not be tracked as yet.
Meanwhile, the district administration, police, Border Guard Bangladesh, Coast Guard, Red Crescent, CPP and a large number of volunteer teams remain prepared to brave the very severe cyclonic storm.
Satkhira Deputy Commissioner SM Mostofa Kamal said 270 cyclone shelters have been prepared in Shyamnagar, Ashashuni and Kaliganj upazila in the district. Besides, a total of 1,252 schools, colleges and madrasas have been kept open.
He said adequate rice, dry food, drinking water and medicine have been reserved for the affected people. Moreover, medical teams and water vessels have also been arranged. A 66-member team of the Bangladesh Army is now staying at Shyamnagar to tackle the disaster and its aftermath.
All the schools and colleges have been closed. Leaves of government officials were cancelled and they were asked not to leave their workstations.
Satkhira district administration officials are staying at Nouldumur of coastal upazila Shyamnagar to tackle the probable damages the cyclone may cause.
The Satkhira deputy commissioner said, "More than one lakh people have been moved to cyclone shelters. The district administration is fully prepared. Our main duty is to save the lives of the people."
