As a precautionary measure, Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) has hoisted its own alert number 3 after the Met office asked the maritime port of Chittagong to hoist great danger signal number six.
As per the Cyclone Disaster Preparedness and Post-Cyclone Rehabilitation Plan of 1992, Chittagong Port Authority hoists four types of alert.
If the Met office hoists cautionary signal number 3, Chittagong port hoists its own alert number 1. For cautionary signal number 4, alert number 2 is hoisted at Chittagong port. For cautionary signal numbers 5, 6 and 7, alert number 3 is hoisted. For danger signal numbers 8, 9 and 10, the highest alert number, which is 4, is hoisted at the country’s premier maritime port.
To avert possible damage from the cyclonic storm, all vessels anchored at the jetties of the port are sent to outer anchorage for safe harbor and all types loading and off-loading activities from the vessels remain suspended after alert No.3 is issued.
Besides, all equipment for handling containers and goods is moved to safer places and lighter vessels are sent upstream of Karnaphuli River for safe anchoring.
Omar Faruk, Secretary of the Chittagong Port Authority, said that all vessels anchored at the jetties of the port would be sent to outer anchorage for safe harbor with the high tide early on Tuesday.
Chittagong port is the key port of Bangladesh that handles nearly 80 per cent of the country’s total export-import activities.
District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Shojib Kumar Chakraborty told Dhaka Tribune that some 4000 shelters had been kept ready to combat the cyclonic storm.
“A preparatory meeting chaired by the Chittagong Deputy Commissioner has already been held with representatives of all the agencies concerned. A control room has been opened at Chittagong DC’s office. All-out preparations have been taken to combat the cyclonic storm. The respective upazila administrations will begin moving people to the shelters from Tuesday morning,” said the official.