As Cyclone Midhili intensifies, the Chittagong Port raises Signal 6, prompting the activation of Alert 3, the port's second-highest alert level.
Cargo unloading was halted due to the cyclone, but goods continued to exit the port via various transports from the jetty yard.
In response to the approaching cyclone, ships at the outer anchorage are directed to seek safe harbors, and all ships bound for the jetty are being evacuated.
Chittagong Port Secretary Omar Faruk said: “Alert-3 has been issued at Chittagong Port. Twenty-two vessels at the jetty are instructed to depart safely. Throughout the morning, ships gradually vacate the jetty, navigating towards the deep sea. Cargo unloading from the mother vessel at the outer anchorage is suspended, along with the closure of lighterage ships.”
Ongoing rainfall in Chittagong linked to Cyclone Midhili
Under the influence of Cyclone Midhili in the Bay of Bengal, Chittagong has been experiencing persistent rainfall, ranging from moderate to heavy in some areas since Friday morning.
The Patenga Meteorological Department reports 62.8mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours. Meteorologist Aftab Ahmed anticipates a possible decrease in rain later in the day. The cyclone is expected to make landfall near Khepupara by evening, moving in a north-northeast direction.
Meteorologist Aftab Ahmed said: “The ongoing rainfall in Chittagong is due to Cyclone Midhili. The department recorded 62.8mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours. There is a possibility of rain decreasing in the afternoon or evening.”
According to the latest forecasts, Cyclone Midhili is projected to cross the Mongla-Payra coast near Khepupara by Friday evening, following a north-northeast trajectory.
Preparedness measures and shelters
The Chittagong district administration has taken proactive measures to mitigate potential cyclone damage. They have initiated miking in vulnerable areas, such as Jheel No 1, 2, and 3 of Akbar Shah, and Bijaynagar, which has been ongoing since Friday morning.
Simultaneously, Chittagong's Deputy Commissioner, Abul Bashar Mohammed Fakhruzzaman, conducted a virtual emergency meeting, instructing relevant departments to prepare for the cyclone. A total of 609 shelters (116 metropolitan and 493 district shelters) are to be readied. Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) have been tasked with identifying educational institutions for use as shelters.
The District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer, Md Chaifullah Majumdar, mentioned the availability of resources for relief efforts. These include Tk22.30 lakh for relief, 244 metric tons of rice, cow food worth Tk6.80 lakh, an equivalent amount of baby food, 472 bags of dry food, 1 thousand blankets, and 47,000 Orsalines. Swift allocation is planned based on the evolving situation.
