National Desk :
Authorities here said Monday they have started preparations to protect the lives and property of the people as Cyclone ‘Yaas’ may strike the south-western coast.
Assistant Commissioner of Barishal District Administration Subrata Biswas Das said there are a total of 316 specialized cyclone shelters in Barishal district.
Besides, there are 755 buildings of educational institutions in the district to be used as shelters during disasters.
Cyclone shelters and educational institutions will be able to provide safe shelter to 7,42,000 people and about 50,000 cattle, he added.
The district has a stock of 84 metric tonnes of rice and Tk 1.5 million-fund ready for distribution among the locals in the time of a cyclone.
Adequate quantity of dry food, rice and pulses are being readied besides possible financial help.
Besides, the district administration is in contact with Disaster Management and Relief Ministry all the time. He said the district administration is ready to implement any directive of the government.
Meanwhile, according to Upazila administration sources, washrooms and toilets of the cyclone shelters and educational institutions are suitable for use.
Alternative arrangements are being made for potable water and electricity, if there is no electricity during the cyclone.
On Sunday, the deputy commissioner held a virtual conference with all the concerned officials including all the Upazila Nirbahi Officers and Upazila Project Implementation Officers of Barisal to reduce the loss of life and property during the cyclone.
The meeting was directed to carry out precautionary announcements in all areas before cyclone hits.
Earlier on Monday, the maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra were advised to hoist distant warning signal No 2 instead of cautionary No 1 as the depression over the Southeast Bay and adjoining Andaman Sea intensified into cyclonic storm ‘Yaas’.
