Until now there is no possibility of cyclone ‘Ashani’ hitting Bangla-desh, State Minister for Relief and Disaster Management Dr Enamur Rahman said on Sunday.
"The meteorologists and international weather office thought that the cyclone will become a low pressure after touching Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar and West Bengal of India."
"Until now there is no possibility of its hitting Bangladesh," he told the media after a meeting on cyclone preparedness at his ministry office in Bangladesh Secretariat.
He, however, opined that Ashani might change its direction anytime, and now it was moving towards the north-west Bay.
"If the cyclone changes its direction and takes turn towards north, then Satkhira, Khulna, Barishal and Patuakhali may be hit."
The government is taking necessary preparations, in case the cyclone hits Bangladesh coast.
A cyclonic system developed near the Andaman Islands in the Indian Ocean, which might turn into a low pressure by today (Monday).
Then on May 11, it is likely to intensify into a deep depression and cyclone. However, its landfall has not been calculated yet, he mentioned.
"After the formation of depression and cyclone, we can say when it will hit the coast of Bangladesh."
The state minister recalled that the country has bitter experiences and millions of people have lost their lives in cyclones since Bangladesh is a cyclone-prone country.
"We are all alert now. We will take actions later according to the cyclone situation."
Asked about necessary measures taken for the possible cyclone, he said cyclone shelters would be set up in case of deep depression.
"We have about 7,000 cyclone shelters. If necessary, we will also use schools, colleges and other buildings."
"We set up more than 14,000 cyclone shelters during cyclone Amphan. We were able to protect more than 2.4 million people in those shelters. We have that capacity and we are ready," he added.
Meanwhile, the met office has directed the sea-ports to hoist cautionary signal number two.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com
