Nor'wester wreaks havoc in Lalmonirhat, hundreds of houses damaged

A nor'wester accompanied by strong winds and hailstorms swept several upazilas of Lalmonirhat district last night, damaging hundreds of houses, trees, and crops.

The storm which began around 9:45pm and lasted for about 30 minutes left a trail of destruction in Aditmari, Kaliganj, Hatibandha, and Patgram upazilas among other areas.

According to locals, the storm uprooted trees and blew away tin-roofed houses, leaving many families in distress.

Crops including mangoes, litchis, maize, paddy, and jute were damaged.

Suman Mia, a resident of Kakina union in Kaliganj said a tree fell on his tin-shed house, causing severe damage. 

"My tobacco crops have also been badly affected," he said.

Another local, Saidul Islam, said three tin houses in Kakina char area were destroyed after a banyan tree collapsed on them. 

"Many shops in the adjacent market were also damaged. Fallen trees blocked roads in several areas," he added.

In Hatibandha's Goddimari union, residents reported damage to houses and crops as uprooted trees fell onto homes and roads.

Fire Service teams, along with locals, worked through the night to clear the roads.

Alal Uddin, panel chairman of Kaliganj's Chalbala union, said he visited several affected areas after the storm subsided and found many houses damaged.

A list is being prepared to assist the affected families, he said.

Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner HM Robik Haydar said local officials and residents have started assessing the damage.

No casualties have been reported so far, he said.