Bangladesh's State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Enamur Rahman on Sunday (May 14, 2023) said there is no possibility of tidal surge due to cyclone Mocha. “Low tide started in the morning and Mocha is now progressing with 65 km wind speed and maximum wind speed near the cyclone centre is about 220 km. So there is no possibility of tidal surge,” he said while talking to reporters at the secretariat. The authorities concerned have taken sufficient preparation this time, Enamur said adding that already seven lakh people have taken shelter in the cyclone shelters. Also read: Cyclone Mocha starts crossing Cox’s Bazar with speed of up to 215 kmph: BMD The government has taken all necessary measures at the cyclone shelters and already dry foods, pure drinking water, water purification tablets and cash money have been sent to the shelter homes while the beach area vacated after the announcement of great danger signal, he added. Despite the announcement of great danger signal 10 in Cox’s Bazar, many people were seen taking selfie, said the minister. “Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina asked me over phone to take step to control people on the beach,” he said. Replying to a question about the presence of curious people on the beach, the minister said the law enforcement agencies drove them out and all tourist activities were suspended. Read More: Cyclone Preparedness: Safety measures to follow before, during, and after the disaster

The government is trying to implement mega projects in the Teesta to permanently prevent the erosion of the Teesta River and prevent floods, said State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Enamur Rahman. The minister also said the design and project profile has been completed. The state minister made the remarks while inspecting the flood-affected areas of Teesta river at Gatiyasham area of Rajarhat in Kurigram on Friday morning. The state minister said, "It is uncertain when it will be completed. However, if the project is completed, the people of Teesta will not have any more misery." He added that heavy rains and onrushing waters have caused flash floods in four districts including Kurigram. The government is working to alleviate the plight of those affected by the floods and erosion. Each of the four districts has been allotted 50 MT of rice, Tk 5 lakh, 4,000 packets of dry food, Tk 2 lakh more for cattle food and 100 bundles of corrugated iron sheets. Arrangements will be made for the rehabilitation of each family affected by floods and river erosion, he said. At least 1017 families in three unions of Rajarhat were affected by Teesta erosion. Later, relief materials including 10 kg of rice, 1 kg of chira and half a kg of pulses and oil were distributed among the affected families at Sarishabari Government Primary School ground. Kurigram-2 MP Panir Uddin Ahmed, Secretary to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief Md Mohsin, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Rezaul Karim, Superintendent of Police Syeda Jannat Ara and District Council Chairman Zafar Ali were present at the event among others.

Dr Enamur Rahman, the state minister for disaster management and relief, has tested positive for Covid-19.

The Coronavirus pandemic and rapidly worsening flood situation in the country's northern and middle parts, have deepened people’s sufferings, while food and drinking water crisis left thousands in great dismay. 

State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Enamur Rahman on Thursday said the flood situation in nine districts including Faridpur, Munshiganj, Tangail, Manikganj, Shariatpur may worsen further in the next 24 hours.