A storm accompanied by heavy rain damaged at least 12 production sheds at Cox’s Bazar’s Nazirartek dried-fish hub late Monday night, with traders estimating losses at more than Tk1 crore.
The storm, triggered by a depression over the Bay of Bengal, struck the area with strong winds, tearing apart sheds and blowing away large quantities of fish being dried on racks and stored in warehouses.
Traders said both raw and processed fish were blown away or soaked by rainwater and spoiled. They estimated losses from damaged fish alone around Tk1 crore.
Several production sheds were completely destroyed within minutes, leaving traders to count their losses as bad weather continued across the coastal district.
Heavy rain and gusty winds have affected Cox’s Bazar since Monday, while rough seas and rising tidal water have inundated low-lying areas in parts of the coast. Tidal water levels rose by 2-3 feet, according to local reports.
Mohammad Abul Hannan, assistant meteorologist at the Cox’s Bazar Meteorological Office, said the depression over the northwestern Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal areas had intensified.
The system has brought rough weather to the coast, with local cautionary signal No 3 in force at Cox’s Bazar and other seaports.
The weather conditions have also raised concerns among fishing communities and traders operating along the coast.
