A sudden storm on Thursday morning devastated three villages in Sreepur Upazila of Gazipur, leaving a trail of destruction across residential properties, trees, and farmlands.
The villages of Haydebpur, Jahangirpur, and Dhamloi under Kaoraid Union bore the brunt of the storm, while several other nearby villages also reported varying degrees of damage.
On-site observations revealed that almost every household in the affected villages suffered damage, with many houses crushed under uprooted trees. Reports also emerged of livestock being injured as trees collapsed on them in various locations.
The agricultural sector has faced a severe blow, particularly seasonal fruit production. Numerous fruit-bearing trees in jackfruit orchards were destroyed by the wind. Local farmers expressed grave concern as ripe Boro paddy and vegetable fields were levelled to the ground.
The power distribution network was the hardest hit infrastructure. The entire area has been plunged into darkness after main electricity lines snapped at over a hundred points due to fallen trees.
Md Anisur Rahman, Assistant General Manager (AGM) of the Kaoraid Palli Bidyut Office, stated that removing the fallen trees and repairing the lines would take considerable time. Consequently, a prolonged power outage is feared in the three most affected villages.
Commenting on the agricultural impact, Sreepur Upazila Agriculture Officer Sumaiya Sultana described the damage to Boro paddy and vegetable fields as “irreparable”. She confirmed that field workers have been directed to immediately prepare an accurate list of the affected farmers.
Md Tarikul Islam, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), said the overall situation in the affected areas is being monitored. He added that relevant officials have been provided with necessary instructions to ensure assistance reaches the victims.
