Marine Drive hit by fresh erosion due to tidal waves

Highlights:

• Ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla, and Payra hoist cautionary signal no 3
• All fishing boats and trawlers in North Bay advised to stay in safe shelter
• Sea remains rough; tidal levels continue to rise
• Tidal waves breach earlier protection measures, damaging at least 10 points of Marine Drive

A depression in the Bay of Bengal has triggered tidal waves, causing fresh erosion in several places along a 2.5-kilometre stretch of Marine Drive in Teknaf, Cox's Bazar.

Yesterday morning, erosion was observed along the Marine Drive from Baharchhara Ghat to the Zero Point area of Sabrang Union in Teknaf.

According to locals, at least 10 points of the road have been damaged. In previous phases of erosion, geo-bags were placed in the area, but tidal waves have bypassed them, breaking parts of the road once again.

A low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas moved west-northwestward, intensifying into a well-marked low and later into a depression near Cox's Bazar. As a result, the sea has turned rough, with a rise in tidal water levels.

Authorities have asked the ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra to hoist local cautionary signal number 3. All fishing boats and trawlers in the North Bay have been advised to remain in safe shelter until further notice.

Abdul Hannan, assistant meteorologist at the Cox's Bazar office of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, said the depression was located over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal areas of India's West Bengal and Bangladesh.

As of yesterday 6am, the centre of the depression was 265 km west-southwest of Chattogram seaport, 265 km west of Cox's Bazar seaport, 130 km southwest of Mongla seaport, and 110 km southwest of Payra seaport.

According to a met office bulletin, the depression crossed the West Bengal–Bangladesh coast around 3pm on Friday and now lies over Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining coastal areas.

"Due to its influence, a pressure gradient is prevailing over the North Bay, and squally or gusty winds may blow over coastal areas and seaports," Hannan said.

Winds within 44 km of the depression centre were recorded at a maximum sustained speed of 40 km/h, rising to 50 km/h in gusts or squalls. The sea remains rough near the centre.

Hannan added that the combined effect of the depression and the new moon may cause storm surges 1–3 feet above normal in coastal areas, including Cox's Bazar.

Residents reported that since Thursday night, erosion has intensified at several points along Cox's Bazar-Teknaf Marine Drive. Earlier, the same stretch suffered damage in August 2023 due to full moon tides.

At that time, the Army's engineering corps had placed geo-bags filled with soil to protect the road.

Erosion reappeared at the end of May this year and has now worsened again, putting nearly 2,000 families at risk.

Local resident Helal Uddin Ahmed said the damage has caused panic among residents.

"More than 1,000-1,500 acres of land are under cultivation in this area. If tidal water enters, it will affect those lands," he said.

A local public representative, requesting anonymity, said erosion had been reported in more than 10 locations in Ward Nos 1 and 2.

"Earlier, the Bangladesh Army tried to repair the affected areas with sandbags and bricks. But from Friday morning, tidal water crossed the road and entered agricultural land on the eastern side. Though there is no waterlogging yet, a road collapse could inundate the area," the representative added.

Local residents have urged the government to take urgent measures to prevent further damage.

Mohammad Selim, a member of Ward 1 of Sabrang Union Parishad, and Mohammad Siddique, a member of Ward 2, said they had received calls from residents throughout the morning reporting damage in several areas. They informed the Union Parishad Chairman and the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO).

Teknaf UNO Sheikh Ehsan Uddin said, "I have learned about the matter. The Deputy Commissioner of Cox's Bazar and relevant authorities have been informed."