Bhola experienced significant disruption in its waterway transport this past week, as launch operations on six key routes were temporarily suspended due to inclement weather and the hoisting of Local Warning Signal No. 3. This precautionary measure by the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) aimed to ensure the safety of passengers and vessels amidst rough sea conditions caused by the seasonal monsoon winds, highlighting the authorities’ commitment to public welfare. The suspension, which began on Saturday, July 5, affected crucial internal routes connecting Bhola to various destinations, including Ilisha โ Lakshmipu, Daulatkhan โ Alexander, Tajumuddin โ Monpur, Monpura โ Dhaka, Hatiya โ Dhaka, and Charfassion โ Dhaka. The coastal district faced overcast skies and intermittent heavy rainfall, with the Meteorological Office recording significant precipitation throughout the period. Due to the severe weather, the Meghna River became rough, leading to a higher warning alert for seaports. The immediate impact of the suspension was felt keenly by hundreds of commuters who found themselves stranded, facing considerable hardships and extended travel times. While ferry services on some routes, such as BholaโIlisha, remained operational, they became severely overcrowded, leading to long waits and increased discomfort for travelers. Concerns also arose as some desperate individuals resorted to using unauthorized and unsafe trawlers, risking their lives to cross the turbulent waters, underscoring the vital role of regulated launch services. Md Jasim Uddin, the Traffic Officer at Bhola River Port, confirmed that No. 3 warning signal remained in effect at all maritime ports due to persistent rough sea conditions, necessitating the continued suspension of services until conditions improved. This decisive action by BIWTA prioritized safety above all else, preventing potential accidents in challenging weather. Bringing relief to thousands of passengers, launch and sea-truck services on the affected routes in Bhola have now resumed as of Friday morning, July 11, following the withdrawal of Local Cautionary Signal No. 3 for maritime ports. This resumption signals the return to normalcy for many who rely on these waterways for daily travel and commerce, demonstrating the swift response of authorities to restore connectivity once safe conditions are established. The quick decision to suspend and then resume operations underscores the dynamic efforts to manage transportation safely during challenging weather, ensuring the well-being of the traveling public.
