Export-import activities hit a snag as Chattogram port shut its activities for the approaching severe cyclonic storm Fani this morning.

Loading-unloading have been stopped and the ships at jetties sent to outer anchorage for safe harbour, our local staff correspondent reports.

Lighterage vessels have been sent upstream of Karnaphuli River for safe anchoring and the port hoisted its second-highest danger signal.

Chittagong Port Authority Secretary Omar Faruque told The Daily Star activities at the docks were stopped since 10:00am this morning.

However, the road delivery system of containers and bulk items through lorries, train and other means are still operational, he said.

Last reported, 21 ships were sent away from jetties to the fleet of 59 other mother ships harboured in the outer anchorage region.

At the port, authorities hoisted their own alert number 3, what is the second highest alert as per its Cyclone Disaster Preparedness and Post-Cyclone Rehabilitation Plan of 1992.

Chattogram port is the key port of Bangladesh that handles nearly 80 per cent of the country’s total export-import activities.