A weak tornado struck Cox’s Bazar beach on Friday afternoon, leaving a trail of damage across nearly one kilometre of the shoreline and triggering panic among tourists, although no casualties were reported.
The tornado hit shortly after 2:30 pm, damaging beach umbrellas, wooden chairs, lockers and several mobile stalls operated by small traders along the beach.
The sudden weather event sent tourists scrambling for safety as strong winds swept across the beach.
Mohammad Yusuf, a lifeguard who witnessed the incident, said a dark rotating column formed over the sea before moving rapidly towards the Sugandha beach point.
“We suddenly noticed a dark vortex forming over the sea. It then moved towards the shore with strong winds and water spray. Tourists became frightened and rushed to safer places,” he said.
Assistant Meteorologist Abdul Hannan of the Cox’s Bazar Meteorological Office said the phenomenon was a weak tornado.
“Tornadoes are usually highly destructive and can cause significant casualties if people are caught in their path. “Given favourable atmospheric conditions, tornadoes can develop not only during summer but also at other times of the year,” he said.
He noted that while the United States experiences the highest number of tornadoes globally, Bangladesh is also prone to tornadoes and has witnessed some of the deadliest in history.
Mahbubur Rahman, president of the Cox’s Bazar Beach Umbrella and Chair Owners’ Association, said the tornado gradually moved from the sea onto the beach, striking the shoreline at around 2:45 pm.
He reported that the tornado completely destroyed at least 52 wooden beach chairs and 61 umbrellas, and several mobile stalls and other temporary structures also sustained damage.
No injuries or fatalities were reported, authorities said.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
Photo: Collected
