bdnews24.com, Cox’s Bazar :
About 350 tourists are stranded on the Saint Martin’s Island after the sea level rose by four feet with Cyclone Hudhud, moving across the Bay of Bengal.
Cyclone Hudhud turns ‘very severe’, Bangladesh ports cautioned
The picturesque coral island of sandy beaches is popular with both local and foreign tourists.
However, the only way to reach it is by sea.
Bangladesh’s central and southern regions are experiencing rain and gusty wind with Cyclone Hudhud moving across the Bay.
The cyclone is heading towards India’s east coast but the Met office said squally weather would continue to affect the North Bay and the maritime ports until the cyclonic spell continues.
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Shah Mojaheed Uddin said around 3,000 tourists visit the island daily on an average during this season. Many prefer to spend the night on the island.
No ship went to the island on Saturday due to the turbulent sea and around 350 tourists were stranded, said Saint Martin’s Union Chairman Nurul Amin.
He said the visitors had been advised to ‘stay safe’ until the situation improved and that they would be sent to Teknaf once the weather got better.
Cox’s Bazar meteorological office’s Observer Dulal Das said the high-tide level had risen by four feet due to Hudhud.
Cautionary Signal No. 3 has been hoisted at the port.
UNO Mojaheed Uddin said, “Necessary steps have been taken to ensure safety of the stranded tourists.
“They’ll be brought back once the weather calms down.”
