One of Bangladesh’s five critical radar stations, located in the coastal town of Kuakata within Patuakhali’s Kalapara upazila, has been non-operational for the last four years. The radar station’s inability to function has significantly impacted cyclone tracking and monitoring in the region. Currently, data collection and automated storm alerts rely solely on an automatic weather station. Additionally, pilot balloons are used to gather meteorological data, which is then sent to Dhaka.
Originally established in 1969 on 10.16 acres along the Dhaka-Kuakata highway in Nachnapara, the station was initially equipped with a conventional radar capable of detecting cyclone centers up to 400 kilometers away. In 2008, a modern Doppler radar system was installed, ensuring smooth operations. However, in 2018, the radar encountered technical issues, which were resolved temporarily with foreign specialists’ assistance. By 2020, significant mechanical malfunctions, particularly in the servo motor of the radar’s antenna, rendered the radar almost entirely inoperative.
Despite replacement of parts, signal reception remains problematic. According to station engineer Mr. A. Jabbar Sharif, Japanese experts have recommended a complete radar replacement, a request currently under review by higher authorities.
Local residents, particularly in flood-prone areas, have urged the government to restore radar functionality to ensure timely disaster alerts. Fishermen’s association leader, Mr. Didar Uddin Ahmed Masum, stressed the radar’s importance, noting that timely weather warnings could save lives and prevent losses. Fishermen often face life-threatening risks due to the lack of early warnings on adverse weather.
Kalapara’s Upazila Executive Officer, Mr. Rabiul Islam, reported ongoing discussions with radar authorities and expressed hope for the radar’s swift reactivation, highlighting its critical role in enhancing disaster preparedness for this cyclone-prone region.