The Chittagong Port Authority has issued its own ‘warning signal no. 2' in view of Warning Signal No. 4 of Bangladesh Meteorological Department due to Cyclone Mocha, reports UNB.
Md. Omar Faruq, secretary of the Port Authority, confirmed the matter on Friday afternoon.
Meanwhile, the lighter ships in the sea are being sent to safer places from Sadarghat towards the Karnaphuli Shah Amanat Setu area to avoid the possible damage of the cyclone.
Vessels at jetties and outer anchorages have been asked to keep engines running so that they can make immediate movements.
Besides, the port's own ships have been asked to double-moor safely.
According to the sources of the Meteorological Department, the very severe cyclonic storm 'Mocha' may hit the southeast coast of Bangladesh by noon on Sunday (May 14).
It was centred at 12 pm on May 12 about 1005 kms south-southwest of Chattogram port, 935 kms south-southwest of Cox's bazar port, 965 kms south-southwest of Mongla port and 930 kms south-southwest of Payra port.
The bulletin said maximum sustained wind speed within 74km of the cyclone centre is about 130 kph rising to 150 kph in gusts or squalls. Sea will remain very high near the storm centre.
Maritime ports of Chattogram Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to lower distant warning signal no. 2 but instead hoist local warning signal no. 4.
Besides, all the fishing boats and trawlers stationed in North Bay of Bengal have been asked to go to safe shelters as soon as possible.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
