A tornado struck the Sugandha Point area of Cox’s Bazar sea beach on Friday afternoon, causing panic among tourists. The tornado hit at around 2:45 pm and lasted for approximately three to five minutes. Tourists present at the beach rushed to find safe shelter as the strong winds swept through the area.
No casualties were reported in the incident. However, more than 50 chairs and umbrellas arranged for tourists on the beach were damaged.
Eyewitnesses said the rotating column of wind emerged from the sea and gradually moved toward the sandy shore. At one point, it struck a section of the beach, causing chairs, umbrellas, and other lightweight items to be blown away by the forceful winds. Frightened tourists quickly moved to safer areas.
Local businessman Mahbubur Rahman said the tornado, which came from the sea, hit Sugandha Point and damaged 52 wooden chairs and 61 umbrellas kept for tourists. The sudden incident also caused financial losses for beachside businesses.
Locals said the tornado lasted only a short time but was extremely powerful. After the situation returned to normal, tourists gradually began returning to the beach. Business owners started removing the damaged chairs and umbrellas and restoring the beach area.
Assistant Meteorologist at the Cox’s Bazar Meteorological Office, Md. Abdul Hannan, said the swirling wind observed along the coast was indeed a tornado, but it was a weak one. He said such tornadoes can sometimes become highly destructive and that people should move to safe places quickly when they occur.
He further explained that the rotating part of a tornado, which appears like an elephant’s trunk, can throw anything it touches a considerable distance and can severely damage objects in its path.
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