Tourists flee as tornado sweeps across Cox's Bazar beach

A weak tornado swept across Sugandha Point on Cox’s Bazar Sea Beach on Friday afternoon, damaging dozens of beach facilities and forcing tourists to flee for safety. No injuries were reported.

The tornado struck at about 2:45pm and lasted between three and five minutes. Witnesses said the rotating column of wind formed over the sea before moving towards the shore, where it tore through part of the beach. Strong winds blew away chairs, umbrellas and other lightweight items, prompting tourists to seek shelter.

Local businessman Mahbubur Rahman said the tornado damaged 52 wooden chairs and 61 umbrellas provided for visitors. He said the incident also caused financial losses for businesses operating along the beachfront.

Residents said the tornado was brief but powerful. Once conditions returned to normal, tourists gradually returned to the beach while business owners began clearing debris and replacing damaged equipment.

Md Abdul Hannan, assistant meteorologist at the Cox’s Bazar Meteorological Office, confirmed that the swirling wind was a tornado but described it as a weak one.

He warned that even weak tornadoes can become highly destructive and urged people to move to safe locations immediately if one develops. He explained that the rotating funnel, which resembles an elephant’s trunk, can hurl objects over considerable distances and cause significant damage to anything in its path.