For the residents of Khulna's coastal areas, surrounded by rivers and the Sundarbans, natural disasters are a frequent occurrence. May is particularly dreadful, as most cyclones and storms have hit during this month in recent years.

The approaching cyclone, Remal, is already causing anxiety as it heads towards the coast. The Met Office predicts the cyclone may reach the coast by Sunday.

The arrival of cyclones brings severe panic to coastal residents, who have to endure various storms that damage their homes, agricultural land, livestock, and ponds. They take precautions as soon as cyclone forecasts are issued, while authorities deploy staff and volunteers for evacuation, rescue, and relief distribution.

The arrival of Cyclone Remal coincides with the 15th anniversary of Cyclone Aila, one of the most devastating storms that struck on May 25, 2009. Previously, Cyclone Sidr hit the coast in November 2007. Subsequent cyclones include Amphan on May 20, 2020, Yaas on May 26, 2021, Ashani in May 2022, and Sitrang in October 2022. Last year, Cyclone Mocha impacted Bangladesh and Myanmar on May 14.

May brings anxiety and apprehension to the coastal regions of Khulna and southwestern Bangladesh. Weak embankments intensify these fears.

Recently, several points along the 10-kilometre embankment near the Shakbaria and Kapotaksh rivers in Koyra have collapsed, leaving about 300,000 residents anxious about the embankment's integrity.

Locals report that over 300,000 people live along the Kapotaksh and Shakbaria river areas in Koyra, where storms regularly cause damage. While the winds from a cyclone may be less severe, storm surges can devastate communities by breaching river embankments and flooding villages.

Cyclone Remal adds to the prevailing fear, as there is always a risk of disaster from natural calamities like cyclones and storm surges in the region.

By the end of 2023, the government had completed several projects, including strengthening a 32-km embankment in Koyra at a cost of Tk1,172 crore and repairing a 1.5-km embankment costing Tk100 crore. These repairs were necessary after Cyclone Yaas caused breaches at 21 points in the Koyra embankments.

Mojibur, a day laborer from Koyra, expressed his concerns: "Last year's storm washed away my home. Somehow, we managed to rebuild and continue living. Another storm is approaching now. We routinely face storms, and each year, they break our embankments. We, the villagers, come together to repair them. This time, I am particularly worried about the storm coinciding with the full moon.”

Abu Bakkar Siddique, the general secretary of Koyra's Sobuj Andolon (Green Movement), said: "Due to climate change, sea levels have risen. If we do not increase the height of the embankments, long-term damage to the coastal areas will continue to escalate. The embankments in Koyra should be raised by at least another 10 feet."

Volunteers and members of the Cyclone Preparedness Program (CPP) have formed various committees to supervise cyclone shelters and ensure the provision of drinking water and necessary supplies during and after disasters. Koyra's local administration has established a control room to manage the response to Cyclone Remal.

Numerous educational institutions, along with government and non-government buildings, are prepared, along with 116 shelters capable of accommodating 32,500 people. Adequate dry food stocks have been secured.

Khulna Deputy Commissioner Khandaker Yasir Arefin said: “Cyclone Remal could impact various upazilas, including Koyra, Paikgasa, and Dakop. A total of 604 shelters and 3 Mujib Kellas are prepared, and 5,280 volunteers have been trained to assist in any disaster. The District Administrator has instructed the UNOs and relevant personnel to remain ready to handle any emergency.”