A powerful combination of low pressure and new moon tides has caused tidal surges up to three feet higher than usual along coastal areas of Cox’s Bazar, resulting in widespread flooding in Teknaf`s St. Martin’s Island and Shah Porir Dwip.
More than 200 houses have been inundated as saline water from the Bay of Bengal entered villages, damaging vegetation, homes, and agricultural land.
The surging tides have also triggered erosion in various parts of the islands, raising fears among local residents.
St. Martin’s Island has been cut off from the mainland for four consecutive days as all passenger and cargo trawlers on the Teknaf–St. Martin route remain suspended due to rough seas. The disruption has led to a growing crisis of food and essential supplies on the island.
Heavy rain and strong winds have damaged several boats, forcing fishing trawlers to anchor near the jetty. Several areas of the island — including Majherpara, Dailpara, and Dakshinpara — have been affected, with local farmlands and even coastal resorts flooded by tidal water.
Market shelves are reportedly running empty, and locals fear a worsening food crisis if transport remains suspended. Community members have called on the government to deploy emergency sea trucks and sea ambulances to restore supply routes.
On Shah Porir Dwip, tidal surges have breached parts of the embankment and entered residential areas. Locals say poor construction and corruption plagued earlier efforts to build protective embankments, particularly after the devastation of the 1991 cyclone.
A 151-crore taka embankment constructed in 2022 on the island’s western and southern edges has already shown signs of collapse, with concrete blocks eroding. Residents fear that if swift repairs are not made, large parts of the island could be lost to the sea.
Over 40,000 people live in Shah Porir Dwip, surrounded by the Bay of Bengal and the Naf River. Several communities including Golapara, West Para, and Mistripara are now living in fear of complete displacement if erosion continues.
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sheikh Ehsan Uddin confirmed that all water transport has been suspended until weather conditions improve. Senior officials from the Water Development Board (BWDB) said they have informed higher authorities and plan to begin embankment repair work soon.
Meanwhile, saline water from the sea has already affected at least 100 homes and several farmlands, according to the acting chairman of the local union council and the upazila fisheries officer.
