Authorities in Satkhria district have taken all pre-emptive measures to prevent the loss of lives and property in view of the Cyclone ‘Yaas’ nearing Bangladesh. The cyclone is likely to make landfall on Wednesday. At a recent emergency meeting, the local administration decided to use 1,500 schools, colleges and madrasas and dedicated 145 cyclone centres to rehabilitate people living in the coastal areas of the district. "Already these proposed shelters have been cleaned," said an official.   Read: Yaas intensifies into severe cyclonic storm The forest department has also taken all necessary steps to ensure safe evacuation of fishermen, honey collectors and wood collectors from the Sundarbans, another official said.  The coastal areas of the district have been witnessing light showers since morning, giving people the much-needed respite from the scorching heat. Meanwhile, there has been a rise in water level of rivers, from one to 1.5 feet, creating panic among local people. SM Mostafa Kamal, deputy commissioner of Satkhira, said “We have taken all necessary preparations in view of the cyclone. Tk 2.15 crore and 83 metric tonnes of food grains have been allocated. Members of the Red Crescent have been kept on standby." Read: Cyclone Yaas: Maritime ports in Bangladesh asked to hoist signal No 2 Besides, the risky embankments in the coastal areas are being repaired with the help of the Water Development Board. According to the Satkhira Water Development Board, nearly 50 per cent portion of the 700km embankments in the district have been found to be either risky or vulnerable. "The repair work is underway," said an official.