Rough weather slows down Chattogram Port operations

Heavy rainfall caused by a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has disrupted operations at Chattogram Port, raising concerns over vessel congestion at the outer anchorage and growing container backlogs at terminal yards.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department recorded 198.5 mm of rainfall in Chattogram in the 24 hours leading up to noon today (30 May).

In response to rough sea conditions, the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) suspended lightering – the offloading of cargo from large ships to smaller vessels – at the outer anchorage. Although necessary for safety, the move has delayed cargo movement.

Four lighter vessels, including carriers of coal and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), were washed ashore along the city's coastline on Thursday night amid high tides and stormy weather.

Two ran aground near Gahira in Raipur union of Anwara upazila, while the other two became stranded along the Patenga coastline.

"Goods vulnerable to rain damage are not being handled in this weather. Only non-sensitive cargo is being moved, and overall port activity has dropped by around 40% to 45% compared to normal days," Nasir Uddin, acting secretary of the CPA, told The Business Standard.

The disruption comes at a time when the port is already managing a container build-up caused by earlier operational delays. As of 8am Thursday, 42,318 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) were in storage – close to its capacity of 53,518 TEUs. The ongoing slowdown is expected to worsen the situation.

Despite the persistent rain, most parts of Chattogram city have avoided severe waterlogging, thanks to early drainage preparations ahead of the monsoon season.

Areas such as DC Road, Bakalia, Muradpur, and Chawk Bazar, which are typically prone to flooding, remained mostly unaffected.

"We prepared early by dredging canals and clearing major drains. So far, the usual trouble spots have remained waterlogging-free," said Towhidul Islam, chief executive officer of the Chattogram City Corporation.

However, low-lying areas including Badurtala and parts of Bahaddarhat experienced temporary flooding, which began to recede by late morning. Officials also reported seawater intrusion in the Agrabad area due to tidal surges.

Towhidul added that the corporation is preparing to evacuate residents living on risky hill slopes.

"We are monitoring the situation. If the heavy rain continues, we will relocate vulnerable people to safe shelters," he said.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has maintained Local Cautionary Signal No 3 for all maritime ports and forecasts continued rainfall over the next two to three days.

While early measures have helped limit urban flooding, authorities remain on alert as the inclement weather is expected to persist.