The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has suspended the operation of water vessels across the country on Friday (Nov 8) to as cyclone ‘Bulbul’ intensifies in the Bay of Bengal.
"Operation of all water vessels was suspended after [Met Office] issued danger signal number seven [for Mongla and Pyra ports]. It will remain effective across the country till further notice," BIWTA Joint Director Alamgir Kabir told Bangla Tribune.
Sources at the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) office said, ferry services at Mawa-Kawrakandi route have been limited while it remains normal at Aricha- Daulatdia route.
A very severe cyclonic storm, 'Bulbul' was over east-central bay and adjoining area, moved north-northwestwards over the same area and was centred in Friday evening about 620km south-southwest of Chattogram port, 585km south-southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 495km south of Mongla port and 490 km south of Payra port, Met Office said in special whether bulletin.
The Met Office also asked maritime ports of Mongla and Payra to hoist danger signal number seven, and ports of Chattogram to hoist danger signal number six.
The maritime port of Cox’s Bazar has been advised to keep hoisting local warning signal number four, the bulletin said.