Nor'wester wreaks havoc in Barishal's Mehendiganj, power system collapses

A sudden storm caused widespread damage in Mehendiganj, an island upazila in Barishal, today (27 May), disrupting power supply and damaging homes, trees and infrastructure across the area.

According to the power department, at least 10 electric poles collapsed during the storm, leaving the entire upazila without electricity ahead of Eid-ul-Adha.

This "kalbaishakhi" storm hit the upazila at around 10am, triggering panic among residents of the Meghna riverbank region.

Deputy General Manager of Barishal Palli Bidyut Samity-1 Mostafizur Rahman said, "At least 10 electric poles collapsed in the storm. Trees also damaged wires and poles extensively."

"We have been working since morning. If we can restore the main line today, electricity may return to some areas tomorrow," Mostafizur added.

Members of the Mehendiganj Elite Football Academy have been working since morning to remove fallen trees from roads and damaged electric poles.

In Chunar village under the municipal area, a large Chambal tree fell on the house of Hanif Poddar, damaging the veranda and other parts of the structure. Three family members narrowly escaped unharmed.

Hanif Poddar's wife said, "Amid the strong winds, we suddenly heard crashing sounds. We quickly ran outside the house. Later, we saw the huge Chambal tree behind our house had fallen on the roof."

In Kalikapur village, a large coconut tree collapsed onto the home of Shanta Rari near Adarsha Gram School, severely damaging the house.

Locals said Shanta and her sister, who lost both parents, lived there with their grandmother. The house was their only shelter.

A poultry farm owned by Shakil at Nader Ali Bepari's house in Badarpur village was also badly damaged in the storm.

Local resident Asadul Islam said people in the char areas are suffering due to the power outage before Eid and urged authorities and affluent people to stand beside the affected families.