Tourists flock to Kuakata beach defying bad weather
Police said they are working to ensure the maximum safety of tourists
Despite continuous heavy rainfall for the past 48 hours, caused by a low-pressure in the Bay of Bengal, tourists have thronged to Kuakata beach in Patuakhali, defying the weather conditions to enjoy the scenic beauty and coastal attractions.
"The sea is rough due to the low-pressure, so we are advising tourists to prioritise their safety. However, many are still swimming in the turbulent waters, and we are continuously cautioning them," Ansar Uddin, superintendent of Tourist Police (Kuakata zone), told The Business Standard.
"Our teams are patrolling the risky points. We are working to ensure the maximum safety of tourists," the official added.
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Tourists were seen enjoying the continuous downpour at the beach today (15 September), finding delight in the rainy weather.
Sifat Ullah, a tourist visiting Kuakata, said, "I'm swimming with my friends. The rain and waves make it really enjoyable. As the police keep warning us about the strong water currents, we're staying close to the shore while swimming."
Another tourist Anisur Rahman said, "The rainy season is the best time to visit Kuakata. It reveals the sea's true beauty, and the cool breeze is refreshing. My family and I have come here to fully enjoy the experience."
Masud Rana Rubel, a senior observer at the Barishal Meteorological Office, informed TBS that 155.1 mm of rainfall was recorded from 3pm yesterday to 3pm today, with 16.5 mm falling between 6am and 3pm today.
He attributed the heavy rainfall to a low-pressure in the Bay of Bengal, which has now turned into a land depression over neighbouring countries.
"More heavy rainfall is expected until 10pm today, with conditions likely to improve after tomorrow noon," he added.
Masud further said, "While cautionary signal no 1 was in place at the river port until this morning, it has now been raised to signal no 2. However, signal no 3 will continue to be in effect at Payra seaport."
Tajul Islam, assistant executive engineer at Water Resources Investigation & Development Department of the Water Development Board, Barishal, said, "The water levels of the rivers in the division have not increased alarmingly.
"The water level of two rivers has exceeded the danger level at 12 points. Among them, the Meghna River at the Tazumuddin point in Bhola is flowing 43 cm above the danger level, and the water level of the Baleshwari River in Pirojpur is flowing 1 cm above the danger level."
He explained that during the rainy season, upstream water flows into the sea, causing the water levels in the rivers of the southern region to rise.
