Bangladesh suspends all river transport as Cyclone Mora approaches coast

All river transports have been suspended as Cyclone Mora is bearing down on Chittagong and Cox's Bazar coasts. 

Senior Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 29 May 2017, 09:33 AM
Updated : 29 May 2017, 01:26 PM

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority or BIWTA issued cautionary signal No. 2 for all river ports across the country. The Met office asked the maritime ports in Chittagong and Cox's Bazar to hoist danger signal No. 10.

It has advised warning signal No. 2 for all river ports across the country.

BIWTA Joint Director Joynal Abedin told bdnews24.com that cautionary signal No. 2 means vessel with lengths over 65 feet can operate."But adverse weather conditions have prompted us to suspend all river transports."

Earlier on Monday, the BIWTA suspended long-haul services from Dhaka, but said short-haul services can operate.

Cyclone Mora, which is within 350km of the coast, is expected to hit the Chittagong-Cox's Bazar coast early Tuesday, according to the Met Office.

The Mongla and Payra ports have been asked to hoist danger signal No. 5, which will be effective for the districts of Bhola, Borguna, Patuakhali, Barisal, Pirozpur, Jhalakathi, Bagherhat, Khulna, Satkhira and their offshore islands.