Tawhidul Islam, Cox's Bazar 

Due to a land depression, cloud formations are active over the sea. As a result, gusty and stormy winds are sweeping across the coastal areas. The sea remains turbulent under its influence, and many coastal regions of Cox’s Bazar have been battered by the surging waves. Simultaneously, heavy rainfall has submerged at least fifty villages in Cox’s Bazar, leaving the entire coral island of Saint Martin’s under water.

Md. Abdul Hannan, Assistant Meteorologist at the Cox’s Bazar Meteorological Office, said that cloud systems have formed over the sea due to the land depression, causing gusty winds in the coastal areas. A local warning signal number 3 is currently in effect for Cox’s Bazar. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected. In the 24 hours up to 12 noon on Friday, Cox’s Bazar recorded a total rainfall of 152 millimeters.

At around 11 AM on Friday at Sugandha Point, the sea was seen in a highly agitated state, with tidal waters rising far above normal levels. However, being a weekend holiday, thousands of tourists gathered along the seashore to witness the raging waves. The relentless battering of one wave after another has already damaged shops and put several government structures at risk. Despite restrictions, thousands of thrill-seeking tourists have flocked to witness the terrifying sea. Lifeguards and tourist police have been making announcements and efforts to disperse the crowds and ensure safety. Massive waves continue to strike the coastline, washing away shops and even police posts. At times, seawater has reached the roads.

Mohammad Shukkur, in-charge of the Sea Safe Lifeguard organization, said that from Madrasa Point to Shaibal Point along the beach, the tidal waters have uprooted trees. At Laboni Point, various government and private establishments, tourist police boxes, and shops have been damaged. Shops at Sugandha Point have been particularly hard hit, with several submerged and water invading the tourist police boxes. Similar conditions have been reported at Kolatoli Point.

He added that since it’s a weekend, several thousand tourists gathered at Sugandha Point. “We have never witnessed waves this large before,” he said. “We are warning tourists through loudspeakers, but many are not listening. Some even engage in arguments. We are doing our utmost to keep tourists safe.”

In this situation, information has been received of at least 50 areas in coastal regions of Kutubdia, Maheshkhali, Pekua, Teknaf, and Saint Martin’s Island being flooded due to continuous rain and tidal surges.

The most critical situation is in the island sub-district of Kutubdia. On the southern side, in Ali Akbar Dail Union, tidal waters are entering through a 50-meter breach in the embankment adjacent to the Bayu Bidyut (wind power) project near Kabi Jasim Uddin High School. As a result, East Para, Sandwip Para, High School Para, and Shanti Bazar areas of the union are submerged under about three feet of tidal water.

In neighboring Kaiarbil Union, Panel Chairman Shafiul Alam Kutubi reported that tidal waters have entered at least 200 homes in Ward 4’s Moulovi Para and Mofazzal Ahmed Para, areas adjacent to embankments.

Similarly, in the sub-district’s Uttar Dhurung Union’s Miarakata and Dakshin Dhurung’s Batighar Para areas, tidal waters are entering through breached embankments, according to local Union Parishad Chairman Alauddin Al Azad.

Kutubdia UNO Kyathowai Prue Marma said tidal water is flowing in and out through the breached section near the Bayu Bidyut area. Embankments at 7–8 points around the island are in extremely risky condition. The Water Development Board has been instructed to quickly repair these breaches.

Jamal Morshed, Sub-Divisional Engineer of the Cox’s Bazar Water Development Board, said, “Tidal surges are entering through at least 20 damaged embankments in areas including Kutubdia, Maheshkhali, and Pekua. Saint Martin’s Island has been cut off for four days. Due to the turbulent sea, all vessel movement to and from Saint Martin’s Island from Teknaf has been suspended for four days, causing an acute shortage of daily essentials on the island.”

Rashid Ahmed, president of the Teknaf-Saint Martin’s Route Service Trawler Association, said all types of vessel movement have been suspended for four days due to adverse weather, including cargo vessels.

Acting Chairman of Saint Martin’s Union Parishad, Foyezul Islam, reported that the island’s supply of fresh produce has run out. Other essential commodities will also be depleted within a day or two. Whatever little is available is being sold at inflated prices. Residents of the entire island remain isolated and helpless.

Teknaf UNO Sheikh Ehsan Uddin said, “The sea remains rough due to inclement weather. The Meteorological Department has issued a local warning signal number 3. As a result, all kinds of vessel operations have been suspended. Once the situation improves, vessel movement will resume.”

Landslide warnings have also been issued. Cox’s Bazar’s Teknaf and Ukhiya areas host 33 Rohingya refugee camps, home to approximately 1.3 million Rohingya refugees. One-third of them live precariously on the slopes and bases of hills.

Besides,  hundreds of thousands of families are living in vulnerable conditions on the hills in the district’s Sadar, Eidgaon, Ramu, Chakaria, Maheshkhali, and Pekua upazilas. Every year during the monsoon, these areas witness deadly landslides due to heavy rain.