Dhaka, May 3 -- State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr Enamur Rahman has said 1,240,795 people have been evacuated to cyclone centres in coastal districts till Friday evening as very severe cyclonic storm 'Fani' weakened and is likely to reach Bangladesh on Saturday.

As many as 4,071 cyclone centres have been opened in 19 coastal districts while directives have been issued to use schools and colleges as shelter centres.

Some 2.01 lakh people took shelter in Khulna while 50,220 in Satkhira, 43,430 in Bagerhat, 25,000 in Pirojpur, 142,325 in Barguna, 3.5 lakh in Patuakhali, 8,120 in Barishal, 1.90 lakh in Bhola, 94,000 in Noakhali, 15,000 in Laxmipur, 15,000 in Feni, 51,000 in Chattogram, 10,000 in Cox's Bazar, 12,000 in Jha...