Lalmonirhat: A sudden Nor'wester storm, known locally as a Kalbaisakhi, swept through Patgram upazila of Lalmonirhat district this morning, causing extensive damage to crops, houses, and shops.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the storm uprooted trees and electric poles, leading to power outages across the area. Several houses were damaged by the rain and strong winds as the Nor'wester lashed the upazila. Corn and vegetable fields suffered significant damage, with many shops and houses collapsing in the College More area of Patgram municipal town during the early hours.
More than a hundred houses, including mud structures and shops, were reported damaged due to the storm. Akabbar Ali, a farmer from the College More area, expressed his distress, saying, "This morning, my house suddenly fell down. I don't know how I survived with my family. I am a daily wage worker and my house collapsed. I am in despair."
Local shopkeepers Saddam, Russell, and Rabiul shared their experiences, noting that the storm had blown away tin and fences from about 12 to 13 of their shops, causing significant losses.
Patgram Upazila Project Implementation Officer Ataur Rahman stated that visits to the affected areas have been conducted and efforts are underway to compile a list of those affected by the storm. Patgram Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Zillur Rahman mentioned that an application would be submitted to the Deputy Commissioner to secure assistance for those impacted.
Saikhul Arifin, deputy director of the Lalmonirhat Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), confirmed that the Nor'wester had damaged the corn fields. He added that upazila agricultural officers have been instructed to assess the extent of the damages to provide a clearer picture of the impact.