Cyclone 'Hamun', 194 shelters, 3160 volunteers ready in Kalapara

Kalapara Upazila disaster management committee was held on Tuesday with UNO Md Jahangir Hossain in the chair.

Patuakhali: Due to the impact of Cyclone Hamun, which is stationed in North-West Bay of Bengal, the intensity of rain and wind has increased in the coastal areas since night. The sea has started to get rough. Warning signal number 7 has been issued at Payra sea port. Tourists are being miked to safe shelters from Kuakata Beach, along with dangerous areas of the coast.

An emergency meeting of the Upazila Disaster Management Committee was held on Tuesday at 12 noon. Public representatives, government officials, volunteers, teachers, doctors, NGO officials, journalists were present in the meeting under the chairmanship of Kalapara UNO Md Jahangir Hossain.

Upazila Disaster and Relief Officer Md. Humayun Kabir said that an emergency meeting of the Disaster Management Committee was held on Tuesday at 12 noon. 194 shelters have been prepared in the upazila. 3160 volunteers are engaged at field level to deal with the situation. Since afternoon, people are being evacuated from the danger areas to safe shelters. Food and hygienic water have been ensured for the people staying in the shelters during the disaster. A medical team consisting of doctors has been formed.

According to upazila cyclone preparation sources, Cyclone 'Hamun' was staying away 215 km from Payra sea port at 12 noon. It will move further north-westwards and start crossing Payrabandar coast around 10 p.m. In this, the continuous speed of wind is 120-130 km per hour 74 k.m. area from the cyclone center. Which is moving towards the coast in the form of gusty winds. Due to this, the water level of rivers and streams can rise by 2-5 feet above the normal tide.

Local MP Principal Md. Mohibbur Rahman Mohib has ordered the leaders and workers of Awami League and affiliated organizations to stand by the people of the vulnerable areas to deal with the disaster. An emergency meeting has been called at the party office at 6 pm.

Kuakata Tourist Police Zone Inspector Hasnain Parvez said, we are always ready to provide security to tourists. We started mieking in the beach from Tuesday afternoon for tourists to safe shelter.

According to Payra Sea Port sources, 5 management committees have been formed along with the control room to deal with the disaster. All vessels have been evacuated from the port channel to a safe place. The port's own vessels and equipment are kept in the highest security position.

Kalapara UNO Md. Jahangir Hossain said, we have made all preparations by holding the Upazila Parishad meeting. People are being evacuated from danger areas. All preparations have been made to deal with the situation. - Gofran Biswas Palash