A brief but powerful tornado swept through five unions of Gangachara upazila in Rangpur early Sunday morning, damaging more than 1,200 thatched houses, uprooting hundreds of trees, and leaving residents in shock amid ongoing rains, reports BSS.
The tornado struck around 7:00 am, affecting the unions of Sadar, Alambiditor, Nohali, Laksmitari, and Kolkond, according to Gangachara Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mahmud Hasan Mridha, who visited the affected areas later in the day.
"The natural calamity badly hit the five unions of Gangachara upazila, damaging some 1,200 houses—either fully or partially—and uprooting hundreds of trees," said the UNO.
Fortunately, the storm did not harm the Aman rice crops, which are currently at a delicate growing stage. Local observations confirmed that the rice plants remained intact despite the extensive damage to homes and trees.
During a field visit, this BSS reporter found widespread destruction across several villages. Many residents shared their experiences, still shaken by the suddenness of the storm.
Md Nazmul Amin, a resident of Kutub Hazirhat village in Alambiditor union, said the tornado tore off the tin roof of his home. “My nine-year-old son, Mohammad Mafi, suffered head and leg injuries. He is now admitted to Rangpur Medical College Hospital,” he said.
Fani Begum, a widow from Sardarpara village in Nohali union, said her two-room home was completely blown away. “I have nowhere to live now,” she said, standing amid the wreckage.
Local officials confirmed significant structural damage across the region. Nohali Union Parishad Chairman Md Ashraf Ali reported that around 400 houses were destroyed in his union alone. Alambiditor Union Administrator Aftabuzzaman Chayan stated that about 300 houses were damaged there.
In response, relief distribution has begun. “We have already distributed 200 packets of dry food among affected families,” said UNO Mahmud Hasan Mridha. “We’ve also requested further assistance from the district administration, and additional allocations are expected soon.”
The local administration has launched a damage assessment and plans to expand relief and rehabilitation operations as more resources become available.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
