Launch services on five internal river routes in Bhola have been suspended due to adverse weather conditions caused by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal. The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) took the decision following the hoisting of Local Warning Signal No. 3 at seaports and Signal No. 1 at river ports.
Weather Conditions
The sky remained overcast throughout the day, with intermittent light to heavy rainfall across the district. The Bhola Meteorological Office recorded 53.5 millimetres of rainfall during the past 24 hours.
Impact on Transport
BIWTA suspended passenger launch services on five internal river routes, including the Bhola-Monpura-Hakimuddin route. Launch operations and fishing boat movement on the Meghna River were also disrupted due to high tides and turbulent river conditions.
River Levels
Executive Engineer of the Bhola Water Development Board (BWDB) Md Hasanuzzaman reported that the Meghna River at Tazumuddin upazila was flowing 72 centimetres above the danger level.
Continued Operations
However, ferry and launch services on the Ilisha-Lakshmipur-Dhaka route were operating normally, according to Assistant Director of BIWTA's Bhola River Port Nirmal Kumar Roy.
Ongoing Rainfall
Moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by gusty winds continued to sweep across the district till the filing of this report at around 4:15 pm. Launch services on the affected routes will remain suspended until weather conditions improve.
