Bangladesh Braces for Cyclone Mahasen

The cyclone Mahasen could bring deadly conditions to residents along the coastal areas in Bangladesh and Myanmar.

According to reports from the UN, the cyclone could affect around 8.2 million people in Bangladesh, Burma and northeast India.

Mahasen is forecast to reach land late Thursday or early Friday in the southern parts of Bangladesh. The cyclone is also expected to bring heavy rains and strong winds to the surrounding areas.

There is much concern on the western part of Myanmar where thousands of Muslims are living in low-lying makeshift camps after fleeing sectarian violence last year.

Aid agencies and authorities are putting in their best efforts to make the residents as ready as possible. They have secured emergency supplies in nearby areas.

Bangladesh authorities have already ordered thousands of people living in low-lying areas to evacuate and move to higher ground.

Despite these efforts, many are still reluctant to move and leave their homes.

In 2008, southern Myanmar was hit by cyclone Nargis, which destroyed entire villages and claimed the lives of at least 130,000 people.

Sources: foxnews.com, bbc.co.uk, cnn.com