Cyclone Shakti Threatens Coastal Area: Panic and Preparations Sweep the Region

As Cyclone Shakti barrels toward the southern coast of Charfassion, panic has gripped thousands of coastal residents. With high waves, heavy rain, and wind gusts battering the region since Thursday morning, the storm’s growing intensity is creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. Communication between many island villages and the mainland has already been severed due to rising tides and stormy seas.

Cyclone Shakti: Present Conditions in Coastal Charfassion

The cyclone has already triggered abnormal tides and severe flooding in areas like Dhal Char, Kukri-Mukri, and Mujibnagar. These areas have become virtually isolated, leaving residents stranded without access to safer regions. Dhal Char, home to nearly 15,000 people, has only one cyclone shelter that can accommodate just 500 individuals. Similarly, Kukri-Mukri, with 17,000 residents, has only eight school-cum-shelters, and Mujibnagar has just five facilities for its 18,000 inhabitants.

This overwhelming disparity between population and shelter capacity underscores the urgency of the situation. Many low-lying areas have already been submerged under three to four feet of tidal water, with expectations that night tides could rise even higher.

Administrative Response and Challenges

To prepare for Cyclone Shakti, the local administration convened an emergency disaster management meeting on Wednesday, led by Upazila Executive Officer Rasna Sharmin Mithi. Decisions were made to open 265 schools as temporary cyclone shelters and stockpile dry food for emergency distribution through local union councils.

Furthermore, 2,400 volunteers across 165 units have been mobilized under the Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP) to assist and inform the public. These volunteers have been spreading safety messages since Thursday afternoon, urging residents to move to shelters. Despite these efforts, logistical challenges persist, especially with water routes disrupted and many isolated islands remaining inaccessible.

Local fisherman Nure Alam reported that most boats from nearby waters have returned to shore, but there’s still uncertainty about those in deeper seas. The storm’s unpredictability has intensified the anxiety among coastal residents.

Recurring Crisis and Infrastructure Gaps

Cyclone Shakti isn’t just a natural disaster—it reveals the long-standing infrastructural deficiencies in Bangladesh’s coastal areas. The lack of adequate, safe shelters in densely populated regions like Charfassion poses a severe risk during natural calamities.

Past cyclones like Aila, Sidr, and Bulbul have shown similar patterns—overcrowded or under-equipped shelters failing to provide sufficient refuge. While turning schools into emergency shelters is a stopgap measure, without proper sanitation, lighting, and food facilities, they often fall short during real emergencies.

Tidal Surge and Public Reaction

By Thursday night, tidal waters rose 3–4 feet above normal levels, inundating Dhal Char and Kukri-Mukri. Residents, especially from low-lying homes, are relocating to higher ground—though even that is in limited supply. Relief efforts are ongoing, but many union offices are struggling to meet rising demand for food and medicine.

People’s fears are not misplaced, given the storm’s power and the visible lack of resources. Local government teams continue to work under pressure to manage shelters and coordinate response efforts.

Role of Information and Technology in Crisis

Accurate and timely information plays a vital role during disasters like this. The government advises residents to follow official weather updates via the Bangladesh Meteorological Department and resources like ReliefWeb. Additionally, volunteers are utilizing loudspeakers, mobile messaging, and social media to spread awareness and instructions.

This heightened information flow helps reduce confusion and enables families to make safer decisions during crisis periods.

What’s Needed: Long-Term Resilience Plans

Cyclone Shakti is a wake-up call for Bangladesh’s disaster management systems. Immediate action must include building more cyclone-resistant shelters, improving early-warning systems, and strengthening emergency response capacity. These steps are essential for safeguarding lives during future storms.

Cyclone Shakti continues to loom large over coastal Bangladesh. Stay safe, remain informed, and always follow guidance from local authorities.

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FAQs About Cyclone Shakti

Where is Cyclone Shakti currently heading?

It’s moving toward the southern coastal zones of Charfassion and may impact other parts of the country’s coastline.

Which areas are most vulnerable?

Islands like Dhal Char and Kukri-Mukri are particularly at risk due to insufficient shelter capacity and rising tides.

What preparations has the government taken?

The administration has opened 265 school shelters, deployed over 2,400 volunteers, and stocked dry food across union councils.

How are fishermen affected?

Most local boats have returned, but those in distant waters remain at risk. Coastal fishing activity is halted until further notice.

What should the public do?

People are urged to move to safe shelters and adhere strictly to official instructions and weather alerts.