Cyclone Sitrang: Most part of Patuakhali out of power

Most of the areas of Patuakhali district have been facing power outage since last night (October 23, 2022) due to heavy rain and stormy wind ahead of cyclone Sitrang.

There was no power supply in six of the eight upazilas under the jurisdiction of palli bidyut. Many areas of the two remaining upazilas were also facing frequent load shedding, reports our local correspondent.

"As many trees were uprooted due to heavy rain and stormy wind, the power supply to the village areas has been suspended," said Bashir Ahmed, general manager of Patuakhali Palli Bidyut Samity.

Communication was also disrupted in the area as people could not charge their mobile phones and watch TV due to the lack of electricity.

"Our mobiles ran out of charge. We cannot get cyclone's news as we cannot watch TV due to power outage," said Jahangir Mridha of Badura village of Patuakhali Sadar.

Meanwhile, 703 cyclone centres, 26 Mujib Killas, two thousand packets of dry food, medicine and medical teams have been readied to combat cyclone Sitrang in the area, said Sumon Chandra Debnath, district relief and rehabilitation officer.

A total of Tk 5.7 lakh in cash and 25 metric tonne rice have been allotted for the eight upazilas in the district. Besides, teams of rescue workers and volunteers are ready to combat the situation, he added.

WATER LEVEL INCREASES 2-3 FEET HIGH

Water level of all the rivers in Patuakhali has increased two to three feet high today (October 24, 2022).

Patuakhali Met office has recorded 79.5 mm rainfall in three hours from 6am. The rainfall may increase further, said Shah Mohammad, in-charge of the Patuakhali met office.

Patuakhali River Port Inspector Dinesh Kumar Saha said that the movement of water vessels on all routes including with Dhaka has been suspended from this morning until further notice.