The Department of Posts and Telecommunications has advised to keep digital communication systems safe in the face of Cyclone Sitrang. It has been said in a small message on the mobile phone, ‘The low pressure created in the Andaman Sea may turn into a cyclone on Sunday night. All are requested to prepare to protect their installations and telecommunication assets.’
The warning message given to the people by the Department of Telecommunication from Sunday has seen its results since Monday. Cyclone ‘Sitrang’ formed in the Bay of Bengal is intensifying and moving towards Bangladesh. The cyclone is likely to hit the coast of Bangladesh this evening. As of Monday (October 24) morning, the storm was 495 kilometers from the coast. It is getting closer.
Meanwhile, heavy rains have started almost all over the country. The intensity in the air is also gradually increasing. The Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (REB) has stopped power supply to seven societies including Bhola to reduce the risk and damage caused by the storm.
Amjad Hossain, Chief Engineer of REB, said that seven of their PBSs are at risk. Therefore, the power supply has been stopped for the time being. However, power supply has been kept on in some of the head offices of PBS. However, its amount is very small. There is absolutely no electricity in Bhola. Beyond these seven, several PBSs are at risk, such as Cox’s Bazar. There is also a stormy wind.
However, due to early warning, the telecom operators have taken measures since night. Still, it was not possible to continue the 100 BTS due to the power cut, said Post and Telecommunication Minister Mustafa Jabbar. He said that the operators are trying to provide backup as much as possible with IPS and generators. However, power outages and storm surges make operations difficult. That is why we have already warned customers to stay safe. The benefits of which are now met. So far there has been no damage to the telecommunication infrastructure.
Mongla and Payra seaports have been asked to downgrade local warning signal number 4 (four) and replace it with danger signal number 7 (seven) as the sea becomes more rough, the Meteorological Department said. Also, Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar seaports have also been asked to display 6 (six) danger signals.
Meanwhile, Imdadul Haque, President of Internet Service Providers Association, Bangladesh- ISPAB, said that Cyclone Sitrang is disrupting broadband internet services. At the same time, the country is struggling to troubleshoot the errors due to the stormy weather. The workers are unable to work with the slicer due to inclement weather. As a result, our service is slightly interrupted. We apologize to our customers for this.