The Chittagong Port’s entire operational activities have been put on hold to prevent potential damage from being struck by the extremely severe cyclone storm Mocha. The port authority took the decision in view of the danger signal no. 8, issued earlier.
Twenty-one ships berthing at the jetties were moved to the outer anchorage before the noon hour on Saturday. All the lighterage Vessels staying in the port channel were also moved to a safe place. Although 60 ships are stationed at the outer anchorage, the release of goods has been totally stopped.
Apart from this, the authority has launched four control rooms- marine, traffic, security, and secretariat— to coordinate the overall operations of the port during the cyclone period. All leaves of the officers and staff of the port were canceled, and responsibilities were distributed on a roster basis.The board members and senior officials of the port held a series of meetings to review the situation with the cyclone and decide what to do. Chairman of the Chittagong Port Authority Rear Admiral Mohammad Sohail presided over these meetings.
