A violent Kalbaishakhi storm has destroyed more than 100 homes in Rangpur’s Gangachara Upazila, leaving dozens of families homeless and forcing them to spend nights under the open sky without official support.
The storm struck early Friday in Nohali Union, affecting wards 2, 7 and 8, including Char Nohali, Char Bagdahara, Nij Para, Chakidarpara and Memmarpara, according to residents.
On the ground, tin roofs were torn off and homes flattened, while trees were uprooted and standing crops, including maize, were badly damaged. The destruction has left many families without shelter or food.
Several victims said they have been unable to cook or secure safe accommodation. While some take temporary refuge in neighbours’ houses during the day, they have nowhere to sleep at night.
“I am unwell but still earn a living through labour. After returning home around 1am and finishing dinner, the storm began. My tin roof was blown away. I searched for it but could not find it. I do not know what to do now,” said affected resident Rahel Uddin.
Another victim, Suja Mia, said all three of his houses were swept away. “I have no place to stay with my family. I took a loan to cultivate maize, and that is gone too. I have no means to rebuild,” he said.
Rafiqul Islam said both of his houses were destroyed. “I survive on daily labour. Now I do not know whether to rebuild my home or feed my family. No one has come forward to help,” he said.
Local organisation Bagdahara Sotota Kalyan Sangstha President Md Al-Amin said at least 100 families were affected and several people injured. “Despite the scale of damage, no local representatives or officials have visited the area. These are river erosion-prone communities living hand to mouth,” he said.
He urged immediate support, including tin sheets for rebuilding homes, warning that families are being forced to live in the open without basic protection.
Repeated attempts to contact local Union Parishad Member Rezaul Islam Bullet and Chairman Ashraf Ali were unsuccessful.
Officials of the upazila administration, including the upazila nirbahi officer and project implementation officer, also did not respond to calls or messages seeking comment.
