Cyclone Hamoon: Danger signal 7 for Ctg port; all inland water transport suspended

Bangladesh Meteorological Department has asked the maritime ports of Payra and Chattogram to hoist danger signal no seven and six for Cox's Bazar and five for Mongla as severe cyclonic storm Hamoon may cross Barishal-Chattogram Coast near Bhola by tomorrow morning to noon as a cyclonic storm.

Met office in its latest bulletin number 10 said the coastal districts of Barishal, Patuakhali, Bhola, Barguna, Pirozpur, Jhalakathi, Chattogram, Feni, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Chandpur and other offshore islands and chars will come under danger signal number seven.

Under the peripheral effect of the severe cyclonic storm, heavy (44-88mm) to very heavy (up to 89 or above) rainfall with gusty or squally wind may continue over the north bay and coastal areas of Bangladesh.

All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice.

Ctg port issues alert 3; relocates lighter vessels

The Chittagong Port Authority issued its own danger signal "Alert 3" on Tuesday (24 October) morning in response to a warning from Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) advising to hoist danger signal number 7, as severe cyclonic storm "Hamoon" is approaching the country.

In an emergency meeting held earlier today, the port authority instructed that all ships currently moored at the port's jetty should be relocated to the outer anchorage following the enforcement of the alert. 

At the same time, the unloading of goods from mother vessels at the outer anchorage of Chattogram has been temporarily halted due to the adverse weather conditions. 

Ctg Port Authority Secretary Md Omar Farooq confirmed the activation of the port's control room services and stated, "All loading and unloading operations at the outer anchorage of the port yard have been suspended."

"Some vessels berthed at the jetty have been moved to the outer anchorage, while the remaining vessels are awaiting the next tide for removal," he said adding that pre-scheduled delivery operations are underway at jetties, terminals and yards.

In 1992, the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) devised a four-tiered alert system for Cyclone-Disaster Preparation and Post-Cyclone Rehabilitation, based on the warnings issued by the Meteorological Department.

When the Bangladesh Meteorological Department issues signal number 3, Chattogram port activates Alert 1. For signal number 4, Alert 2 is issued. Alert 3 is activated for warning signal numbers 5, 6, and 7. When Alert 3 is in effect, all types of vessels are moved from the jetty to the open anchorage. In the event of high distress signals 8, 9, and 10 issued by the Met Office, the port activates the highest warning level, Alert 4.

Earlier on Monday night (23 October), the port authority issued Alert 2 after Met office advised to hoist local warning signal no 4.

Information from the emergency meeting held the previous night revealed that there were 23 ships anchored at the jetty and specialized jetty of Chattogram port.

All inland water transport suspended 

The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has announced the suspension of all types of water vessel services across the country due to inclement weather caused by the approaching severe cyclonic storm Hamoon.

The decision came in a board meeting this afternoon.

Earlier today, it had announced suspending all water vessel services along the Dhaka-Barisal and southern routes, said Riad Hossain, assistant director of the Maritime Safety and Traffic Management Department of Barishal River Port.

The meteorological office had previously issued warnings that the coastal districts of Barishal, Patuakhali, Bhola, Barguna, Pirozpur, Jhalakathi, Chattogram, Feni, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Chandpur, and other offshore islands and chars would be placed under danger signal number 7.

In response to this, Barishal River Port has been instructed to hoist Inland River Port Warning Signal No II, said Riad Hossain and explained this precautionary measure has led to the suspension of launches and other water vessel movements in the Barishal region, considering its coastal location.

Reports from TBS correspondents have shown launches on the southern and Dhaka-Barisal routes anchored at pontoons. Additionally, speedboat services in areas like Barishal, Mehendiganj, Laharhat, Bhola, and other internal routes have come to a halt.

Nevertheless, no directives have been issued to halt river crossings at this time.

In preparation for Cyclone Hamoon, an emergency disaster prevention meeting was convened at the Barisal District Commissioner's office. The meeting, held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Shahidul Islam, took place today at 11am to ensure that necessary measures are in place to address the impending cyclone's impact.

BMD issues danger signal 5 for Satkhira coast

Bangladesh Meteorological Department has issued Danger Signal No V for the coastal areas of Satkhira district As Cyclone Hamoon is expected to make landfall along the Bangladesh coast between 25 and 26 October.

The Officer-In-Charge of the Satkhira meteorological department, Zulfikar Ali, has indicated that heavy rainfall and gusty winds are anticipated in the region. 

Moreover, the coastal areas may face the risk of flash flooding due to a wind-driven surge height of 3-5 feet above the normal astronomical tide.

To discuss preparedness for potential damage resulting from the cyclone, the District Disaster Management Committee held a meeting at the district commissioner's office today.

The meeting, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Humayun Kabir, included the participation of seven Upazila Nirbahi officials and others.

During the meeting, the district commissioner highlighted the availability of 300 shelters and 5,000 volunteers in the district. He also emphasised that various government departments would collaborate to address any emergency situations.

Asaduzzaman Babu, organizing secretary of Satkhira Awami League, pledged full support from the party's leaders and activists for the disaster management plan.