Control rooms opened in 19 coastal districts as ‘Fani’ intensifies

The maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to hoist local warning signal No 4 as the very severe cyclonic storm "Fani" over the West Central Bay and adjoining area moved northwestwards further over the same area.

It was centring at 6pm on Wednesday about 1205 kms southwest of Chattogram port, 1160kms southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 1060 kms southwest of Mongla port and1070 kms southwest of Payra port.

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The cyclone is likely to intensify further and move in a north/northwesterly direction, said a Met office special bulletin.

Maximum sustained wind speed within 74 kms of the storm centre isabout 160 kph rising to 180 kph in gusts/squalls. Sea will remain very high near the cyclone centre.

All fishing boats and trawlers over the North Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution sothat they can take shelter within a short notice. They have also been advised notto venture into the deep sea.

An emergency meeting on preparedness to face cyclone Fani was held at the secretariat on Wednesday.

State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr Enamur Rahman said from the current direction of the cyclone it is being assumed that it will hit India's Odisha state, then the West Bengal and then Bangladesh's Khulna and Satkhira region.

Water vessels are anchored in the river Karnaphuli on May 1, 2019 due to cyclonic storm Fani. Photo: Star/ Rajib Raihan

"But if the cyclone changes its course and moves towards Bangladesh then it will hit Khulna, Mongla, Satkhira, Chattoram and Cox's Bazar," he said.

He said the ministry has opened control rooms in 19 coastal districts and 56000 volunteers have been kept prepared.

As part of the preparations, 200 mts rice, 41000 packets dry food and cash Tk 5 lakh have been sent to the deputy commissioners of the each 19 districts, he said.