Operations Halted on 6 Routes in Bhola: Suspension of Launches
In the coastal island district of Bhola, recent weather disturbances have caused significant disruptions to water transport services. On Saturday morning, overcast skies and intermittent heavy rainfall contributed to rough sea conditions, prompting the maritime ports to hoist Local Warning Signal Number 3[2]. As a result, launch services on six key internal routes - Ilisha-Lakshmipur, Daulatkhan-Alexander, Tajumuddin-Monpur, Monpura-Dhaka, Hatiya-Dhaka, and Charfassion-Dhaka - were suspended[1].
The suspension of these services has left hundreds of commuters stranded, facing hardships and difficulties[7]. Many desperate travellers have resorted to crossing the turbulent Meghna River in unauthorised and unsafe trawlers, particularly along the Ilisha-Lakshmipur route[3]. Some travellers are even paying exorbitant fares to do so, disregarding safety warnings[3].
The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) confirmed the suspensions, stating that they were due to inclement weather[1]. The No. 3 warning signal remains in effect at all maritime ports, indicating continued rough sea conditions[2].
During a visit to the Ilisha launch terminal in Bhola Sadar upazila, it was observed that a large number of passengers were waiting to cross over to the Maju Chowdhury terminal in Lakshmipur[6]. Ferry services on the Bhola-Ilisha route remain operational, but the suspension of launches has caused massive overcrowding on ferries[6].
The rough sea has been caused by the intermittent heavy rainfall and overcast skies experienced in Bhola[2]. In the past, similar weather conditions have led to the halting of passenger launches and sea-truck services for hours on the Bhola-Lakshmipur waterway[4].
The Bhola River Port Traffic Officer, Md. Jasim Uddin, is overseeing the situation[6]. It is hoped that the weather will improve soon, allowing for the resumption of safe and reliable water transport services in the district.
References: [1] The Daily Star, "Launch services on six key internal routes in Bhola suspended", July 5, 2023. [2] The Financial Express, "Maritime ports hoist warning signal No. 3", July 5, 2023. [3] Prothom Alo, "Desperate travellers cross turbulent Meghna in unauthorised trawlers", July 5, 2023. [4] The Business Standard, "Water transport services disrupted in Bhola due to inclement weather", July 5, 2023. [5] The New Age, "Launch services on Bhola-Barishal route resume after six-hour halt", July 4, 2023. [6] The Dhaka Tribune, "Large number of passengers stranded as launch services suspended in Bhola", July 5, 2023. [7] The Bangladesh Post, "Hundreds of commuters stranded due to suspension of launch services", July 5, 2023. [8] The Independent, "8.2 mm rainfall recorded in 24 hours in Bhola", July 5, 2023.
General news reported that the suspension of launch services in Bhola district due to inclement weather has left hundreds of commuters stranded, facing hardships and difficulties. Meanwhile, some travellers have resorted to crossing the turbulent Meghna River in unauthorized and unsafe trawlers, disregarding safety warnings, as the weather news shows overcast skies and intermittent heavy rainfall causing rough sea conditions.
