The Chattogram Port authorities on Monday suspended all the activities of loading and unloading containers fearing possible damages due to the approaching cyclone Sitrang.

The authorities issued Alert No 3 for the port.

‘All the ships of New Mooring Container Terminal and Chittagong Container Terminal have been sent to the outer anchorage. Besides, lighter vessels have also been removed from the channel and shifted to Shah Amanat Bridge area. Loading and unloading of goods and containers are currently suspended, while large ships have been sent to the deep sea,’ said Md Omar Faruq, Secretary of Chattogram Port Authority.

A control room has also been opened, he said.

The met office has hoisted cautionary signal no 6 in Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar ports and signal no 7 in Mongla and Payra ports.

The wind is blowing at a speed of 62kph within 54km of the cyclone center, which has the possibility of reaching 88kph when the cyclone reaches its peak.