Noakhali, Sep 14 (V7N) – All waterway communications to Noakhali's Hatiya have been suspended from Friday evening following a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, which intensified into a depression. This development has caused turbulent conditions in the Bay and nearby Meghna River, leading to rising water levels.

Mishu, a local resident from Hatiya’s Chairman Ghat, shared, "All speedboats and trawlers have stopped operating at Hatiya's ghat. Though some trawlers were still running in the rain yesterday (Friday), the river's condition has worsened on Saturday, forcing all passenger trawlers, big and small, to cease operations since morning."

The worsening weather, accompanied by strong winds, has affected areas along the riverbank.

As a result of the rough sea, seven fishing trawlers capsized near Hatiya in the Bay of Bengal. So far, 30 fishermen and crew members have been rescued, while several others are still missing.

Acting Upazila Nirbahi Officer Milton Chakma confirmed the incidents, stating, "We have been receiving reports of capsized trawlers from different ghats via mobile phones, and we are working to gather more details."

He further added, "Fishermen who returned mentioned that many crew members remain unaccounted for. We have reached out to the river police and coast guard for assistance."

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