The New Nation - Internet Edition

Barisal Correspondent

Port authorities yesterday ordered suspension of plying ML type water transports less than 65 feet in length on as many as 76 coastal and inland routes due to inclement weather.

Plying of motor launches and boats were suspended on 28 inner routes of Barisal, 21 routes of Patuakhali, 13 routes of Barguna, 14 routes of Bhola and coastal water transport services on five routes of Barisal-Bhola-Laxmipur-Chittagong due to stormy weather prevailing over the southern region since Sunday night after a low created in the south-west of Bay.

Met Office said last night that the low that formed over the Bay and adjoining coastal Bangladesh was in a stationary position.

"Under its influence, deep convection is taking place over the Bay," said a warning message of Met Office.

Squally weather is likely to continue over the Bay and may affect the maritime ports.

Maritime ports of Chittagong, Cox's Bazar and Mongla have been advised to keep hoisted local cautionary signal number three, the message said.

All fishing-boats and trawlers over the Bay have been advised to remain close to the coast and "proceed with caution till further notice".

The Barisal port authorities hoisted cautionary weather signal No. 2 and said that the ML type launch operation would not be resumed unless the weather condition was improved. All fishing boats and trawlers were also advised to stay at safe distance.

Patuakhali Correspondent said that many tourists left Kuakata sea-beach due to inclement weather and local authorities and volunteers of Cyclone Preparedness Programme under Red Crescent were monitoring the situation and asked peoples to prepare for taking shelter in safe places within a short notice at any moment. Official of CPP of Barisal Red Crescent, said they

were maintaining regular wireless contacts with their units on different shores, off shores, coastal islands and shoals. They informed that the conditions of river estuaries and sea becoming rough with high waves and strong tides combined with gusty winds since yesterday afternoon.

Barisal city was covered with cloud and light raining with long intervals and gusty winds continued till writing this report.