Due to the turbulent sea conditions caused by Cyclone Remal, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has issued warning signal No. 4 at Barisal river port, suspending all waterway movements. This suspension will remain in effect until further notice.
Abdur Razzak, deputy director of Barisal BIWTA, stated that the movement of vessels on 12 internal routes has been halted since Sunday morning due to the issuance of signal No. 4. Additionally, night launches from Barisal river port to Dhaka are included in the ban, with authorities warning of legal action against any violations.
Barisal Meteorological Office Deputy Director Bashir Ahmed reported that light, inconsistent rain has been falling since Sunday morning as a result of Cyclone Remal, with wind speeds reaching 40 km/h.
Deputy Commissioner Shahidul Islam announced the preparation of 541 shelters across 10 upazilas of Barisal district. Primary and secondary schools, religious institutions, private multi-storied buildings, and offices are also open for shelter, stocked with clean water, dry food, and provisions for livestock.
Abdur Rashid, Deputy Director of the Cyclone Preparedness Program (CPP), mentioned that "32,500 volunteers are ready in six districts of the division."
Divisional Health Director Dr. Shyamal Krishna Mondal stated that approximately 470 to 472 medical teams have been formed to address potential disasters, providing medical services during and after the cyclone.
Meanwhile, passenger-carrying water transports on various routes, including Barisal-Bhola and Patarhat from the Barisal launch terminal, have been anchored at the terminal. Lighter ships are anchored in the Charkawa area on the opposite side of the Kirtankhola River.
Hasina Begum, a volunteer with the CPP, said residents of riverbank areas such as Charmonai and Charbaria in Barisal Sadar upazila have been advised to move to higher ground for safety since Saturday night.
Barisal CPP Deputy Director Shahabuddin Miah reported that Cyclone Remal in the Bay of Bengal is currently located 300 km south of Payra port. Additionally, CPP members and the Barisal Naval Police have been monitoring various points along the Kirtankhola River since morning, urging the public to seek safe shelter.
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