Due to the rough sea caused by the impact of Cyclone Remal, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has issued warning signal No. 4 at Barisal river port and banned all types of waterway movement. This ban will continue until further notice.
Abdur Razzak, deputy director of Barisal BIWTA, said that due to signal No. 4, the movement of vessels on 12 internal routes has been halted since Sunday morning.
Additionally, the ban applies to the movement of launches from Barisal river port to Dhaka at night. The launch authorities have been informed, and legal action will be taken against anyone who violates this ban.
Barisal Meteorological Office Deputy Director Bashir Ahmed said that light inconsistent rain has been falling since Sunday morning due to Cyclone Remal, with wind speeds reaching 40km/h.
Deputy Commissioner Shahidul Islam announced that 541 shelters have been prepared in 10 upazilas of Barisal district.
In addition, primary and secondary schools, religious institutions, private multi-storied buildings, and offices will remain open for shelter. These centres are stocked with clean water, dry food, and provisions for livestock.
Cyclone Preparedness Program (CPP) Deputy Director Abdur Rashid said: "32,500 volunteers are ready in six districts of the division."
Divisional Health Director Dr Shyamal Krishna Mondal said: "About 470 to 472 medical teams have been formed to deal with possible disasters. They will provide medical services to the public during and after the disaster."
Meanwhile, passenger-carrying water transports on various routes, including Barisal-Bhola and Patarhat from the Barisal launch terminal, have been anchored at the terminal. However, lighter ships are anchored in the Charkawa area on the opposite side of the Kirtankhola River.
Hasina Begum, a volunteer with the Cyclone Preparedness Program (CPP), said that since Saturday night, residents of riverbank areas such as Charmonai and Charbaria in Barisal Sadar upazila have been advised to move to higher ground for safety.
Barisal CPP Deputy Director Shahabuddin Miah reported that Cyclone Remal in the Bay of Bengal is currently located 300km south of Payra port.
Additionally, CPP members and the Barisal Naval Police have been monitoring various points along the Kirtankhola River since morning, urging the public to seek safe shelter.