Despite rough seas, rising tidal water and a No. 3 local cautionary signal at the seaport, Cox’s Bazar beach was teeming with tourists on Monday, with hundreds gathering at the Kolatoli, Sugandha and Laboni points to enjoy the sea and take photographs.
Tourists arrived amid a low-pressure system over the northwest Bay of Bengal, prompting authorities to keep the No. 3 local warning signal hoisted at the Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra seaports.
Tourists began arriving at the beach in the morning despite the adverse weather. Some tourists enjoyed the waves, while others strolled along the beach or captured photographs against the backdrop of the rough sea.
However, the rough conditions have increased the risks for tourists. Rising tide has created hidden channels and holes at several points on the beach, which can be hard to spot and may cause accidents.
Sea-Safe Lifeguard members from the Centre for the Protection of Environment, Research and Biodiversity (CIPRB) were maintaining heightened vigilance at the Kolatoli, Sugandha and Laboni points to ensure tourists’ safety.
Lifeguards warned tourists to stay within designated safe areas and avoid risky spots. They were also keeping a close watch on tourists entering the sea to bathe.
Sea-Safe senior lifeguard Zainal Abedin said a large number of tourists were present at the beach despite the adverse weather.
“Lifeguards are performing their duties with the utmost caution to ensure tourists’ safety. As the tidal water level has risen, hidden channels and holes have formed at several places along the beach. We are warning tourists and asking them not to enter risky areas,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department said the well-marked low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal areas of West Bengal and north Odisha had moved northwestwards and was currently positioned over Gangetic West Bengal, adjoining coastal areas of north Odisha and the northwest Bay of Bengal.
The system is likely to move further west-northwestwards, the department said.
Under its influence, gusty winds may sweep over the seaports, the north Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh. The Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra seaports have therefore been advised to keep hoisting the No. 3 local warning signal.
Cox’s Bazar Meteorological Office assistant meteorologist Abdul Hannan confirmed the information.
He said the low-pressure system could make the sea and coastal areas of Cox’s Bazar rough, with stronger winds expected.
Fishing boats and trawlers operating in the north Bay of Bengal have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice.
Rain began in Cox’s Bazar on Monday morning under the influence of the low-pressure system. The rain stopped in the afternoon, and sunshine returned, improving the weather in the town and around the beach.
Authorities have urged tourists to follow lifeguards’ instructions, avoid deep water while the warning signal remains in force, and consider the prevailing sea conditions before entering the water.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdur Rashid Manik
