Rough weather severs Hatia's water link with mainland

Water communication between the island upazila of Hatia and the rest of the country has been suspended after authorities halted the movement of all ferries and other water vessels due to rough weather and turbulent conditions in the Meghna River.

The suspension came into effect on Sunday morning (July 5) following deteriorating weather conditions, leaving thousands of passengers stranded at key river terminals.

Passengers were seen waiting at Nalchira and Chairman Ghat, but no sea trucks, ferries, speedboats or passenger trawlers were allowed to operate as strong currents and high waves made navigation unsafe.

Ferry Mahananda Master Tofazzal Hossain said operations were suspended after the issuance of Local Cautionary Signal No. 3, adding that ferry services would remain off until weather conditions improve.

Assistant Port and Transport Officer of Hatia Coastal River Port, Mohammad Rezaul Karim, said the Meghna had remained unusually rough since early Sunday, with tidal water levels rising above normal.

"In view of the adverse weather, all government-operated vessels on the Hatia Chairman Ghat–Nalchira route have been suspended until further notice to ensure passenger safety," he said.

The suspension has effectively severed Hatia's water links with the mainland, disrupting the movement of passengers and goods to and from the remote island.