Chattogram Port Resumes Full Operations After Cyclone Disruption

Chattogram, Bangladesh — The Chattogram Port Authority announced the full resumption of operations on Wednesday after a two-day suspension caused by Cyclone Mocha, which swept through the Bay of Bengal earlier this week. The port, which handles over 90 percent of Bangladesh's international trade, had halted cargo loading and unloading activities on Monday as a precautionary measure against the storm's high winds and heavy rainfall.

According to a statement from the port authority, all container terminals and jetty operations resumed normal schedules by Wednesday morning, with vessels beginning to dock again after being diverted to safer anchorage points. The cyclone, which weakened after making landfall in Myanmar, brought gusts of up to 120 kilometers per hour to coastal areas of Bangladesh, but caused no major damage to port infrastructure or vessels.

"Our priority was the safety of workers and cargo. We are now working to clear the backlog of shipments that accumulated during the suspension," said a senior port official, speaking on condition of anonymity. The official added that the port's contingency plans, including early warning systems and emergency response teams, helped minimize disruptions.

The temporary closure affected both export and import operations, with local businesses reporting delays in the delivery of raw materials and consumer goods. The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association noted that while the disruption was brief, it could impact some shipment deadlines for international buyers. "We are coordinating with the port to expedite clearance of export containers," said a spokesperson for the association.

Chattogram, the country's largest seaport, has been undergoing modernization efforts in recent years to handle increasing trade volumes. The port handled over 3 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of container cargo in the last fiscal year, according to official data.

In related news, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department has lifted all storm warnings for coastal areas, though fishermen have been advised to remain cautious of rough seas over the next 24 hours. No casualties or significant property damage have been reported in Chattogram district from the cyclone.

The resumption of port operations is expected to stabilize supply chains for key sectors, including ready-made garments, jute, and leather products, which constitute the bulk of Bangladesh's exports. International shipping lines have confirmed that regular schedules are being restored, with some vessels expected to arrive on Friday to clear the backlog.

Local residents in Chattogram city, which experienced intermittent power outages during the storm, reported that electricity supply has been restored to most areas. The city's mayor assured that emergency services remain on standby as the region transitions back to normalcy.

As Bangladesh continues to recover from the effects of Cyclone Mocha, authorities are emphasizing the importance of climate-resilient infrastructure for the port and surrounding areas, given the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in the Bay of Bengal region.