Although the deep depression has crossed the coast, its rampage continues to wreak havoc across Cox’s Bazar. The town remains gripped by incessant rain and gusty winds. According to the Cox’s Bazar Meteorological Office, 140 millimeters of rainfall was recorded over the last 24 hours, ending at 9 AM today.
Wind speeds have been particularly concerning, with gusts reaching 20 to 25 kilometers per hour, occasionally surging to between 40 and 50 kilometers per hour in squally conditions. The local meteorological office has kept Local Warning Signal No. 3 in effect for the Cox’s Bazar seaport.
Assistant Meteorologist Abdul Hannan at the Cox’s Bazar Weather Office confirmed these developments.
Continuous heavy rain, combined with high tides, has inundated most of the district’s low-lying areas. Notably, Maheshkhali, Kutubdia, Ramu, Chakaria, Teknaf, Ukhiya, Pekua, Cox’s Bazar Sadar, and Eidgaon Upazilas have all been submerged. Residents are struggling with severe waterlogging, adding to their hardship.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has warned that heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to persist through today and tomorrow. This raises serious concerns about potential landslides, particularly for those living on the vulnerable slopes of the region’s hills. The administration has urged residents in these high-risk zones to move to safer locations.
Disaster management officials have cautioned that, unless people evacuate promptly, fatal landslides—similar to those seen in previous years—could occur.
The ongoing deluge has disrupted everyday life across the district. Attendance at schools, markets, and offices remains significantly lower than usual. Local authorities have mobilized rescue teams and opened emergency shelters to assist affected residents.
By Abdur Rashid Manik:
Photo: Abdur Rashid Manik
