The Chittagong Port Authority has issued its own “alert no 2” after the met office asked the maritime ports of Cox's Bazar, Chittagong, and Mongla to keep hoisted local warning signal no 4.
The port authorities have started making extensive preparations to protect it from possible damage by Cyclone Mocha since the announcement.
Chittagong Port Authority Secretary Md Omar Farooq said that as the met office has asked to hoist local warning signal number four, Chittagong Port has issued its own "Alert-2".
He also said that all preparations are underway to protect the Chittagong port from the cyclone. “We will issue our own alert following the instructions of the met office.”
Chittagong Port sources said that when the met office issues local warning signal number four, Chittagong Port issues its own “Alert-2”. And when the met office issues a danger signal from number five to number seven, Chittagong Port issues its own “Alert-3”.
Then, the unloading of goods at the outer anchorage and jetty remain suspended. From the jetty, the ships are sent out to sea, they noted.
Chittagong Port's own “Alert-4”, the highest level of warning, is issued in case of great danger signals eight, nine, and 10. During this signal, all activities of the port remain suspended.
These precautionary measures are being taken since 1992 to protect jetties, machinery and goods.
Meanwhile, lighter vessels in the Chittagong port area have been instructed to move to a safe place from Sadarghat towards the Karnaphuli Shah Amanat Setu area. Vessels at jetties and outer anchorages have been asked to keep engines running for immediate movement.
However, goods are still being cleared at the jetty.
