Cyclone Mocha, which is located in the southeast Bay of Bengal and adjacent areas, is getting stronger and approaching Cox's Bazar, and the district administration has declared all hotels, motels and resorts on St Martin's Island shelters.
People who were visiting the island from different districts have already been evacuated, said Additional District Magistrate Md Abu Sufian on Friday, communicating instructions to take the islanders to the temporarily declared shelters.
Sufian said since the cyclone is heading towards Cox's Bazar, St Martin's Island along with the whole district is at risk, which is why the district administration took the decision to use the hotels as shelters.
He added that as soon as the signal of Cyclone Mocha increases, announcements will be made through megaphones in the coastal areas of the district. Seven thousand volunteers are ready to face any possible risks.
The official added that one control room was opened in each upazila. Nine medical teams have been formed. As much as 150 tons of rice, 6.9 tons of dry food, 20,000 packets of saline, 40,000 water purification tablets and Tk19,000 in cash are stocked up. At the same time, 576 shelters are ready.
The tributary area of Cox's Bazar especially Kutubdia Dhalghata Matarbari Island has dangerous embankments. As a result, the residents of this region are in a very vulnerable condition.
Cox's Bazar Deputy Commissioner Md Shaheen Imran said that all kinds of preparations have been made by the district administration for Cyclone Mocha.
Tourists have been asked to dip in the sea with caution. In this regard, Tourist Police and lifeguards have been instructed to monitor the beach at all times.
Assistant Superintendent of Tourist Police Shehrin Alam said that tourists coming to the beach are discouraged from entering the water.
Additional Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Shamsud Douza Nayan said there are 33 refugee camps in Ukhiya and Teknaf of Cox's Bazar. Preparations have been made in the refugee camps to avoid possible damage from the cyclone. A preparatory meeting was held Friday morning.
Abdur Rahman, the person in charge of Cox's Bazar met office, said that the sea will remain rough for the next week due to the impact of Cyclone Mocha in the Bay of Bengal. All deep-sea fishing boats and trawlers have been asked to proceed with caution near the coast. Besides, they were told not to wander in the deep sea.
