Cyclone Remal: Chattogram port halts all operations, sends vessels to deep sea
68 commercial vessels have retreated to the deep sea because of the cyclone
Operations at the Chattogram Port have come to a standstill due to the impact of Cyclone Remal.
"The operational activities of Chattogram port are halted. The ships at the jetty have been sent to the deep sea," Omar Faruk, secretary of Chattogram Port authority (CPA), told The Business Standard.
During the high tide on Sunday (26 May) morning, 19 commercial vessels moored at the jetty were pushed into the deep sea, according to the CPA.
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On Saturday night, 49 bulk carriers had already vacated the outer anchorage, halting unloading operations and moving into the deep sea.
In total, 68 commercial vessels have retreated to the deep sea because of the cyclone.
The Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) has issued the port-specific "Alert No 4" due to Cyclone Remal after the Met Office asked the port to hoist great danger signal 9.
Last night, "Alert No 3" was issued at the port. All loading and unloading activities at the jetty were suspended, and all ships in the outer harbour were sent to the deep sea to prevent damage from the strong winds and waves during the cyclone.
Meanwhile, as part of the alert, the port authority is securing all cranes, cargo and container equipment, including QGCs [the large overhead cranes used for loading, unloading shipping containers], pontoons, loose objects, and sheds.
CPA also deployed additional security personnel to strengthen access control and rescue support. Extra medical and rehabilitation measures have been taken.
The port authority also brought all inland vessels to a safe shelter at the inner harbour.
CPA Secretary Omar Faruk said a planning meeting will be held at 11am today at the Chattogram port building as part of the preparations to combat the cyclone.
Based on its 1992 Cyclone and Disaster Preparedness and Post-Cyclone Rehabilitation Plan, The Chattogram port issues four alerts depending on signals from the Meteorological Department.
When the Meteorological Department issues signal number 3, the port issues an initial alert or 'alert-1'.
For signal number 4 from the Met Office, 'alert-2' is issued.
Additionally, for danger signals 5, 6, and 7, 'alert-3' is issued.
When extreme danger signals 8, 9, and 10 occur, the port issues the highest alert, 'alert-4,' which suspends all port operations.
