Launch services on several routes suspended

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has suspended launch services on Chandpur, Daulatdia-Paturia and Aricha-Kazirhat routes as Cyclone Mocha approaches the coast.

In Chandpur, BIWTA issued a notice in this regard on Friday night, said Deputy Director of BIWTA Shahadat Hossain.

The launch services remained suspended from 11 pm on Friday. The order will remain in force until further notice. It also asked the river vessels to anchor in safe places.

Meanwhile, Chandpur Deputy Commissioner Quamrul Hasan, said the local administration has opened 353 cyclone shelters in the district and the Upazila Nirbahi Officers have been asked to evacuate people from char areas including Chandpur Sadar, Matlab North and Haimchar upazilas to safe places as soon as possible.

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) on Saturday suspended launch services on Daulatdia-Paturia and Aricha-Kazirhat routes as Cyclone Mocha approaches the coast.

Traffic Inspector at the Ghat, Aftab Hossain, said launch services remained suspended from Saturday morning. The order will remain in force until further notice.

According to the latest weather bulletin, the very severe cyclonic storm Mocha over east central Bay and the adjoining area is likely to intensify further, move in a north-northwesterly direction and cross Cox’s Bazar-North Myanmar coast by 6 pm on Sunday.