A powerful tornado struck Garagram Union in Kishoreganj Upazila, Nilphamari, on Sunday morning, injuring at least 30 people and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Over 500 homes were damaged, and several villages were severely impacted, with the tornado lasting only minutes but causing significant devastation, reports UNB.
The storm uprooted trees and destroyed homes, injuring residents, primarily from falling branches and collapsing structures. Among those hurt, Taiful (30), Tasin (25), Royal (30), Gulchan (40), and Atiq (22), all from Disirmor Munshipara, were hospitalized at Kishoreganj Upazila Health Complex.
The affected areas included Majhapara, Baniapara, Hajipara, Uttarpara, Poddarpara, Zikarul Member’s Para, Babupara, Chairman’s Para, Bairagipara, Munshipara, and Kalirthan. Thousands of trees were felled along the Kishoreganj road, blocking traffic for hours. Local residents and fire service personnel worked tirelessly for nearly four hours to clear the debris and restore normal traffic flow.
In addition to the human toll, four cows perished when the walls of houses collapsed. Mojahid, the UP Member of Ward No. 8, confirmed that one of Abdul Baki’s cows from Munshipara and three of Farhad’s cows from Chairman Para were killed during the storm.
Jonab Ali, chairman of Garagram Union Parishad, reported that 11 villages in the union had been affected. “Numerous trees have been destroyed, Aman paddy fields have been damaged, and power lines were snapped, leaving all 11 villages without electricity,” he said.
Kishoreganj Fire Service Acting Station Leader Mostafizur Rahman stated that efforts to clear the debris and fallen trees are ongoing. The local administration, including the agriculture department and fire service, is working together to assist those affected. Pritam Saha, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Kishoreganj, added that dry food has already been distributed to the victims and relief efforts are underway.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
