Local administration of the coastal district of Cox’s Bazar has already taken allout preparations to bring down the loss of lives and properties ahead of the landfall of the cyclonic storm ‘Mocha’ intensifying into the super cyclone on May 14.

According to Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), the country’s Chattogram, Mongla and Payra Seaports were asked to hoist the distant warning signal 2. 

Muhammad Shaheen Imran, deputy commissioner of the district, said they chalked out all kinds of preparations, considering the possible loss of lives before the cyclone hits the region.

A total of 576 cyclone centres were prepared for sheltering 5,50,990 people, he said, adding that an emergency control room was also opened.

Read: Cyclone Mocha: Maritime ports asked to hoist distant warning signal 2

He said Tk 10.30 lakh, 490 tonnes of rice and 194 bundles of corrugated iron sheet have been readied for humanitarian help during the disaster.

Moreover, Tk 100,000, 50 tonnes of rice, 7 tonnes of dry foods have been allocated by the Disaster Management and Relief Ministry to face the disaster, the DC said.

The DC said that all government officials and staff of the different departments were asked to stay at their respective work stations during the disaster.

On the other hand, no impact of the ‘Mocha’ was seen at Cox’s Bazar sea beaches and adjoining areas till Thursday evening. Movement of tourists at the beaches was as usual and level of water was yet to rise, UNB’s Cox’s Bazar correspondent reported from the scene. 

Read: 409 shelters prepared in Khulna as depression intensifies into Cyclone Mocha

Mohammad Yunus, a sea safe line activist involved with ensuring safety of tourists, said the beaches are still safe for tourists.

Measures will be taken in accordance with the directives from the district administration, if needed, he added.