What to do when cyclone hits

Met office has advised danger signal 10 for Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar as cyclone ‘Mora’ is moving closer.

Meteorologists and disaster management volunteers say people can avert losses by following certain guidelines alongside understanding the nature of the disaster.

Medical teams and rescue teams are alert while around 50,000 volunteers are standby in 19 coastal districts.

The Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief has set up 24-hour control rooms in each of the upazilas in these districts that can be reached at 9540454, 9545115, 9549116 and 01715180192.

During a media briefing on Monday, Additional Secretary to the ministry Golam Mostafa ordered local administration to move people from low lands to shelters by evening in the coastal districts.

Some to-dos

· Elderly, autistic and pregnant women must be prioritised when shifting people to shelters.

· Torch light, matchsticks, candles and dry food must be taken along while shifting.

· The cyclone falters temporarily when crossing its centre (called ‘chokh’ in Bangla) but regains ferocity after passing the area. So do not leave shelters assuming the storm is over.

· People in hilly zones must take extra precaution as the downpour that cyclone brings in creates risk of landslides.