Launch services on all routes suspended

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) on Monday suspended the launch communication on all routes across the country from the capital due to inclement weather.

Maritime ports of Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar have been advised to hoist great danger signal number 10 while Mongla and Payra ports to hoist great danger signal number eight, said a Met office release.

The cyclonic storm ‘Mora’ over north-bay and adjoining east central bay moved slightly northwards further over the same area, intensified into a severe cyclonic storm and centered at 6 pm today about 385 kms south of Chittagong port, 305 kms south of Cox’s Bazar port, 450 kms south-southeast of Mongla port and 370 kms south-southeast of Payra port, said the release.

It is likely to intensify further, move in a northerly direction and may cross Chittagong - Cox’s Bazar coast by tomorrow morning, added the release.

“The BIWTA has suspended the plying of all sorts of vessels and it would be continued till further notice,” said Mobarrak Hossain Majumder, public relation officer of the BIWTA.

The BIWTA, however, asked to take precautionary measures at all the river ports in the country.

At present, a total of 295 vessels ply on different river routes across the country.

Meanwhile, the met office forecasted that rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally wind is likely to occur at most places over Dhaka, Khulna, Barisal & Chittagong divisions, at many places over Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions and at one or two places over Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions with heavy to very heavy falls at places over Dhaka, Khulna, Barisal and Chittagong divisions.

Costal districts of Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Noakhali, Lakhipur, Feni, Chandpur and other offshore islands and chars will come under danger signal number 10.

Maritime ports of Mongla and Pyra have been advised to lower danger signal number five but instead hoist great danger signal number eight.

Coastal districts of Bhola, Borguna, Patuakhali, Barisal, Pirojpur, Jhalokathi, Bagherhat, Khulna, Satkhira and their offshore islands and chars will come under danger signal number eight.

Source: BSS