Cyclone Remal: 9 districts asked to hoist great danger signal

The severe cyclonic storm Remal now lies over northwest Bay and adjoining area. Nine coastal districts were advised to hoist Great Danger Signal No. 10 ahead of the cyclone's expected landfall by Sunday (26 May) evening. 

According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department's (BMD) Special Bulletin No. 10, the coastal districts of Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Jhalkathi, Borguna, Barishal, Bhola, and Patuakhali as well as the islands and chars near these districts will fall under the Great Danger Signal No. 10. 

Meanwhile, the maritime ports of Mongla and Payra were advised to hoist Great Danger Signal No. 10, while Chattogram and Cox's Bazar ports were advised to hoist Great Danger Signal No. 9. 

"The cyclonic storm 'Remal' is likely to hit southern districts of Bangladesh today," Tariful Newaz Kabir, meteorologist of Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) told BSS on Sunday.

"Under the influence of cyclone, Bangladesh, particularly its southern and southeastern regions may witness heavy to very heavy rainfall," Director General of the Department of Disaster Management Mizanur Rahman said.

Referring to the data of the Met Office, he said that a large radius of the cyclone has been developed and significant rainfall may occur in 19 coastal districts side by side central parts of the country.

As the cyclonic storm is approaching the coastal regions of Bangladesh, much of the southern parts may witness rainfall from tonight, Mizanur added.

He said the government has taken all necessary preparations to handle any destructive situation caused by the cyclone.

The DG also said the authorities already directed all relevant organizations alongside involving 78,000 volunteers to launch a massive evacuation drive to shift vulnerable populations to safer places