After five months and 21 days, red flags marking “danger zones” have been hoisted again at Cox’s Bazar Sea Beach.
A visit to Kolatoli, Laboni, and Sugandha points on Tuesday afternoon showed the red warning flags in place, signaling unsafe sea conditions.
Officials said that due to sudden adverse weather and rough seas, Sea Safe lifeguards replaced the red-yellow flags with red flags in the afternoon, declaring the sea unsafe for bathing.
Earlier, on November 7, red-yellow flags had been introduced after a long period, indicating relatively safer conditions.
Senior lifeguard Mohammad Shukkur, stationed at Laboni point, said the sea remained normal until noon, allowing red-yellow flags to stay.
“But the weather suddenly deteriorated, and the sea became rough.
“Red flags were immediately hoisted to ensure the safety of tourists,” he said.
Sea Safe lifeguard field team manager Imtiaz Ahmed said red flags are raised when the sea turns rough, especially during the monsoon season.
He noted that sandbars and channels form in such conditions, posing risks to visitors.
“Tourists must not enter the sea outside designated flag zones. They should only swim where lifeguard services are available,” he added.
Tourist presence declines amid fear:
Due to the adverse weather, tourist numbers on the beach were relatively low, with many avoiding entering the sea.
Rashed Mahmud, a tourist from Dhaka, said, “The weather was fairly good in the morning, but by afternoon, rain and wind intensified. Seeing the red flag, I did not dare to enter the water.”
Sumaiya Akter, who traveled from Chattogram, said, “We came mainly to swim, but the red flag made us feel unsafe, so we stayed out of the water.”
Suman Mia, a visitor from Rangpur, said the earlier presence of red-yellow flags had provided some reassurance, but the return of red flags indicated worsening conditions.
Rainfall and lightning incident:
According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, 31 millimeters of rainfall was recorded in the district in the 24 hours until 6:00pm. Heavy rainfall continued from Tuesday noon.
Earlier in the day, a salt farmer was killed by lightning in the Chowphuldandi area of Cox’s Bazar Sadar, creating concern among locals.
Four-day heavy rain forecast, Signal No. 3 issued:
Assistant meteorologist Abdul Hannan said there is a forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall for the next four days (96 hours).
A pressure variation is also prevailing over the northern Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas.
In this situation, maritime ports in Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Payra, and Mongla have been advised to hoist Local Warning Signal No. 3.
Authorities have urged tourists to exercise maximum caution and avoid entering the sea while red flags are displayed.
Lifeguards said they remain on duty from morning to sunset. Still, risks increase significantly during adverse weather, particularly due to strong currents and rough waves that can pose dangers to swimmers and boaters.
Tourists have been requested to follow safety instructions for a secure travel experience.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
