Coastal districts on Cyclone Asani alert

All necessary preparations have been taken in five coastal districts to face any possible situation that might arise due to cyclonic storm 'Asani'.

Barishal divisional administration has kept 4,915 shelter centres ready although the Bangladesh Meteorological Department predicted that the cyclone may not hit the coasts of the country.

Of these, 1,071 shelters have been prepared in Barishal district, 925 in Patuakhali, 1104 in Bhola, 712 in Pirojpur, 629 in Barguna and 474 in Jhalakathi.

Two million people as well as their livestock can take shelter at these centers.

Besides, the Divisional Commissioner's Office has instructed the concerned officials to provide clean water, dry food and electricity in the shelters.

Amin-ul-Ahsan, Barishal Divisional Commissioner, said adequate preparations have been taken to face the possible cyclone.

Cyclonic storm 'Asani' over west central Bay and adjoining area moved West-Northwestwards over the same area.

It was centred at noon on Monday about 1105 Kms Southwest of Chattogram port, 1045 kms Southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 1015 kms South-Southwest of Mongla port and 1000 kms South-Southwest of Payra port, said a Met office bulletin .

It is likely move in a Northwesterly direction, it said.

Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to hoist distant warning signal 2.