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The country is bracing itself for severe cyclonic storm Fani in efforts to cushion the blow as the disaster is likely to hit coastal districts by Friday evening.
All river transport services on all routes have been suspended and all fishing boats and trawlers asked to take shelter.
As well as halting all water transport services, the Inland Water Transport Authority cancelled leaves of its all employees for the approaching disaster.
The Meteorological Department has issued danger signal no 7 for Mongla and Payra ports, 6 for Chattogram, 4 for Cox’s Bazar.
In a special bulletin, it said the cyclone was centred about 1,065 km southwest of Chattogram port, 1,025 km southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 915 km southwest of Mongla port and 925 km southwest of Payra seaport.
Meanwhile, in the coastal districts, authorities are also preparing for the cyclone that is feared to be accompanied by surging tides and winds up to 180kmph.
Satkhira, Bagerhat and Khulna district administrations have taken up various measures, including opening cyclone shelters and other non-government shelters, to face the natural disaster.
They are keeping all emergency services, including food, ready in view of the approaching disaster. Leaves of all government employees in the districts have also been cancelled for now.
Sources at the Water development Board said that the water level of the sea has risen by four to five feet this day during the high tide.