A Correspondent:
Lalmonirhat: A sudden storm accompanied by heavy hail caused widespread damage to houses and standing crops across Lalmonirhat district late Friday night.
The storm swept through all five upazilas, damaging homes, uprooting structures, and destroying crops. Large hailstones punctured tin roofs, leaving many houses exposed and soaking household belongings. Strong winds also blew away fences and roofing materials, leaving several families homeless.
Field visits on Saturday showed many affected families living under the open sky as their homes were severely damaged. Tin sheets were seen scattered in distant fields and on treetops. Power sup-ply was also disrupted in several areas after falling trees snapped electric lines, with restoration work underway.
Standing crops including maize, onion, garlic, tobacco, peanuts and vegetables suffered heavy loss-es. Farmers expressed concern over financial losses, especially after investing heavily in cultiva-tion.
The worst-hit areas include Harati and Khuniagachh unions of Sadar upazila, Votmari and Kakina in Kaliganj, Mahishkhocha in Aditmari, and parts of the Teesta char region.
Local representatives are preparing damage lists. Acting chairman of Mahishkhocha Union Pari-shad Abdul Majid Hossain said around 100 families lost their homes.
District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer (additional charge) Mir Faisal Ali said authorities are as-sessing the damage and will provide assistance once allocations are received.
