Heavy tidal waves, fueled by a deepening low-pressure system over the northern Bay of Bengal, have caused fresh erosion along a 2.5-kilometre stretch of the Marine Drive at Teknaf in Cox’s Bazar.
The erosion was reported between Baharchhara Ghat and Zero Point in the early hours of Friday.
According to locals, at least 10 sections of the coastal road have been partially damaged, despite earlier protective measures using geo-bags installed by the Bangladesh Army’s Engineering Corps. The powerful waves have now breached those defenses, putting nearly 2,000 families at heightened risk.
Bangladesh tourism packages
Officials at the Cox’s Bazar Meteorological Office said that the low-pressure system intensified into a well-marked low and later into a depression as it moved northwest. As of Friday morning, it was centered near 21.3°N latitude and 89.6°E longitude—approximately 265 km southwest of Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar, and about 130 km southwest of Mongla Port.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has advised Local Cautionary Signal No. 3 at the maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra, as squally weather is expected to continue. Coastal areas may experience tidal surges of 1 to 3 feet above normal, due to both the depression and the new moon.
Local Union Parishad members Mohammad Selim and Mohammad Siddiq stated that residents from multiple wards have reported new damage since early morning. "We have informed the Union Chairman and the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) immediately for urgent action," he added.
Teknaf UNO Sheikh Ehsan Uddin said the matter has been reported to the district administration and relevant authorities. “We are monitoring the situation and necessary precautions are being taken,” he added.
The Marine Drive has experienced similar erosion events in the past, most notably in August 2023 and again in May this year, due to high tides and storm surges. Residents remain concerned about long-term safety, especially in the absence of permanent protective infrastructure.
