‘Titli’ intensified into severe cyclonic storm; signal 4 at maritime ports

Cyclonic storm 'Titli' intensified into a severe cyclonic storm on Wednesday with a 'Core of Hurricane Wind ' over West-Central Bay and adjoining Northwest Bay.

The maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra were advised to keep hoisted distant cautionary signal No 4, reports UNB citing a Met Office special bulletin.

At 6:00pm, it was centering about 880 km southwest of Chattogram port, 850 kms southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 720 kms southwest of Mongla port and 740 km southwest of Payra port, according to the bulletin.

It is likely to intensify further and move in a north/northwesterly direction.

The maximum sustained wind speed within 44 km of the severe cyclone Centre is about 120 kph rising to 140 kph in gusts/squalls. The sea will remain very rough near the system centre.

All the fishing boats and trawlers over the North Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) suspended the operation of all types of water vessels across the country due to the formation of cyclonic storm.

BIWTA public relations officer Mobarak Hossain said plying of launches, ferries and speedboats will remain suspended on all the waterways throughout the country until further notice.

According to UNB's Chattogram correspondent, loading and unloading of goods from ships remain suspended at the outer anchorage of the Chittagong seaport since Wednesday morning as cyclonic storm 'Titli' intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over the West-Central Bay and adjoining area.

Md Omar Faruk, secretary of the port authority, said the activities at the outer anchorage remained suspended since 10 am following the adverse weather.

However, the activities at jetty container remained normal.

Deputy Commissioner of Bagerhat Tapan Kumar Biswas said all the upazila nirbahi officers (UNOs) have been kept alert, while control rooms opened in all the upazilas.

According to a report received from UNB's Khulna correspondent, a meeting of the district disaster management committee was held at the DC's conference room at noon.

The meeting was informed that 242 shelter centers and medical teams have kept ready to face the possible disaster.

Besides, Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) cancelled all the leaves of its officials and employees in different parts of the country.

At an official order signed by BWDB deputy secretary (administration) Obaidul Islam directed all the officials and employees to remain present at their workplaces on holidays, too.