Cyclone Remal: All work halted at Chattogram port

The loading and unloading of goods from ships has been suspended and heavy machinery is being moved to safety

File photo

The Chattogram port has issued its own warning Alert-4 and halted all work as Cyclone Remal nears.

Md Omar Faruk, secretary at the port, said on Sunday that after the Met Office advised it to raise Great Danger Signal No. 9, the port also went to Alert-4, its highest warning level.

“As part of the alert, the 13 vessels at the jetty have been sent to the outer anchorage. Those which are left are also leaving.”

The port has suspended the loading and unloading of goods from ships and their release. Heavy machinery is being moved to safety. The port authority is also sitting for an emergency meeting to discuss the overall preparations.

According to the port authority’s Cyclone Disaster Preparedness and Post-Rehabilitation Plan, when the Bangladesh Meteorological Department issues a cautionary warning signal of No. 3, the port goes to Alert-1. When the BMD issues a Cautionary Signal No. 4, it goes to Alert-2. When Danger Signals rise to 5, 6, and 7, the port goes to Alert-3. Finally, in cases of Danger Signals 8, 9, and 10, it goes to Alert-4.

The port went to Alert-3 on Saturday night and instructions were given to complete all half-finished work at the port jetty immediately.

In addition, ships were instructed to move away from the jetty. However, due to the tide at night, the ships were eventually moved from the jetty to the sea on Sunday morning.