Relentless tidal waves and aggressive coastal erosion are causing significant damage along the Cox’s Bazar shoreline, with rows of casuarina (jhau) trees collapsing under the pressure of the sea’s fury. Even the geo-bags placed as a protective measure are proving ineffective.
Residents report that the aggression of the sea intensifies each monsoon season. When storm warnings and strong winds coincide, the erosion becomes even more severe, sweeping away trees and pushing the coastline closer to the city. What was once a distant shoreline has now crept perilously close to urban areas.
During an on-site visit to the Shaibal Point area of the beach, parts of a tourism corporation structure were found submerged in tidal water. Several coconut and casuarina trees had been uprooted and washed away.
Every monsoon brings worsening erosion, but locals say this year the destruction has surpassed previous records. The combination of high tide and rough seas has overwhelmed existing protections. One after another, the trees that once lined the beach are vanishing into the waves.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Courtesy
