13 fishing trawlers sink in St Martin’s

Staff Reporter :
At least 13 fishing trawlers anchored near the jetty sank in the sea near the St Martin’s Island due to the turbulent waves and gusty winds caused by the super-cyclone ‘Sitrang’ on Monday.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) on Monday suspended the operation of all water vessels across the country amid the inclement weather. However, no casualties were reported from the incident that took place in St Martin Island, Mujibur Rahman, Chairman of St Martin Union Parishad said.
He also said that heavy rainfall accompanied by squally winds have created a sense of fear among around 10,000 people in Saint Martin’s.
On the other hand, the district administration of Cox’s Bazar has taken extensive preparations to combat the cyclone Sitrang. A total of 576 cyclone shelters have been prepared and 85 medical teams are ready.
Apart from these 10 thousand volunteers are on high alert to provide necessary support for rescue and relief distribution.
Meanwhile, the district administration has banned the movement of tourists at the sea beach considering the rough weather situation.
Deputy Commissioner of Cox’s Bazar Md Mamunur Rashid said, “We have a capacity of five lakh people in the cyclone shelters. We have arrangements to evacuate people from the risk areas to safer places.”
The district administration has cancelled the leaves of all officials and opened control rooms in eight Upazilas.
On the other hand, BIWTA on Monday suspended the operations of all water vessels across the country due to the impact of the cyclone ‘Sitrang’, BIWTA Chairman Commodore Md Golam Sadeq said.
He also said that the leaves of all officials of BITWA had been cancelled until further instructions. However, BIWTA has been kept ready in case of any rescue emergency.