Rangpur: A short-lived tornado has unexpectedly struck five unions of Gangachara upazila in Rangpur, damaging 1,200 thatched houses and uprooting hundreds of trees amid continuous rains on Sunday morning.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the tornado hit various villages in Sadar, Alambiditor, Nohali, Laksmitari, and Kolkond unions of the upazila at 7 am, causing significant damage to infrastructure but sparing the growing Aman rice crop.
Gangachara Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mahmud Hasan Mridha, after returning from the tornado-affected areas, reported that the natural calamity severely impacted the five unions, leading to the destruction of numerous houses and the uprooting of many trees. Despite the devastation, the Aman rice plants in the region remained undamaged.
Residents affected by the tornado shared their experiences with BSS. Md Nazmul Amin from Kutub Hazirhat village recounted how the tornado demolished his thatched house, injuring his nine-year-old son Mohammad Mafi, who is currently receiving treatment at Rangpur Medical College Hospital. Widow Fani Begum from Sardarpara village described how the tornado obliterated both rooms of her small house.
Local authorities have begun relief efforts in response to the disaster. Md Ashraf Ali, Nohali Union Parishad Chairman, confirmed that approximately 400 houses in his union were destroyed, while Aftabuzzaman Chayan, Alambiditor Union Administrator and Gangachara Upazila Cooperative Officer, reported damages to about 300 houses in his jurisdiction.
UNO Mahmud Hasan Mridha announced that 200 packets of dry food have been distributed to those affected by the tornado. He also mentioned that requests have been made to the district administration for additional food and monetary support, with allocations expected soon to aid ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts.
The assessment of the tornado’s damage in the upazila is underway, as authorities continue to address the immediate needs of the affected communities.