Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) has deployed around 1200 volunteers in the coastal areas of the country to protect the people from cyclone “Sitrang” which is approaching fast.

The volunteers are working together with the government in all kinds of support activities including relocating people from coastal areas to safe shelters, said BDRCS on Monday.

Bangladesh Red Crescent Society is working in coordination with the Meteorological Department, concerned DCs, Cyclone Preparedness Program (CPP), IFRC, RRRC, UNHCR, UN Refugee Agency and IOM to reduce the damage of Cyclone Sitrang.

The people from the coastal areas who are at risk have already taken shelter in 65 shelters of the society and other shelters.

The society has arranged solar power in 20 shelters to provide round the clock electricity facility. Also, preparations have been made to provide relief assistance to the shelters by the Red Crescent.

Read: Sitrang likely to hit by midnight or early Tuesday with 5-8 ft tidal surge

Red Crescent volunteers are also working with CPP volunteers to spread signals and warning messages at seaports.

Chairman of Bangladesh Red Crescent Society Major General ATM Abdul Wahab (Rtd.) said millions of people who are at risk due to the sudden cyclone are in dire need of humanitarian assistance.

“Bangladesh Red Crescent Society volunteers are always ready to provide all kinds of emergency assistance in such situations,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Red Crescent has allocated around Tk 15 lakh on an emergency basis to distribute dry food among the people who are in danger due to Sitrang.

Ambulances with medical teams have been kept ready. All officers and employees of BDRCS have been asked to remain at work until further instructions from the National Headquarters.

Cyclone Sitrang is likely to intensify further, move in a north-northeasterly direction and cross Barishal-Chattogram coast near Khepupara by midnight Monday or early morning Tuesday, said the latest Met office bulletin.