The Chittagong Port Authority (CPA), in response to the impending threat posed by Cyclone Remal, has taken extensive measures to minimize potential damage, issuing its own alert at level-4.
In preparation, the CPA has opened four control rooms to manage the situation effectively. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has instructed Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar to hoist great danger signal no. 9, indicating the cyclone’s severity, reports UNB.
Following this alert, all cargo operations at the port’s jetties and outer anchorage have been suspended. Ships currently loading or unloading have been instructed to expedite their processes.
From Sunday morning, efforts have been underway to secure the port channel, ships, jetties, yards, sheds, and handling equipment. All lighter vessels in the outer anchorage have been moved upstream in the Karnaphuli River for safety.
“With the issuance of Signal 9, we have also declared Alert Level 4 at the port,” CPA Secretary Md. Omar Faruk said. “Normally, we issue such alerts when signals are at six or above. All ships at the jetties have been sent to sea, ensuring the jetties are free of vessels. Loading and unloading activities at the jetties have been halted. Container movements from the yards are ongoing for now. We have directed that the jetty area be cleared immediately upon receiving any indication of impact.”
He added that all mother vessels from the outer anchorage are being sent to deeper sea areas, and the focus is now on securing the port’s equipment. “All ship movements have been completely halted,” Faruk emphasized.
Meanwhile, the Chattogram district administration has been making public announcements in the hilly and coastal areas since last evening, urging residents to seek safe shelter. Special announcements are being made in the city's Bayezid, Batali Hill, Lalkhan Bazar, and Soloshahar areas, advising people living at the base of hills to evacuate immediately.
The district administration has prepared 785 shelters to accommodate those in need.
Bd pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
