Hailstorm causes severe damage in Sherpur’s Nalitabari

A sudden storm accompanied by hailstorm caused extensive damage to houses and trees in Nalitabari upazila of Sherpur district on Saturday night.

This incident leaves many families homeless and disrupts electricity supply in several areas.

The storm struck the upazila, affecting different localities, with Singuarpar village under Rupnarayankura union suffering the worst damage.

According to locals, the storm began during Tarabih prayers, bringing strong winds and hailstones that uprooted trees and damaged numerous tin-shed, semi-pucca and mud houses. In Nalitabari town, the brick boundary wall of a house collapsed, while electricity supply was disrupted in several parts of the upazila.

Residents of Singuarpar village said around 30 to 35 houses were completely destroyed by the storm. Tin sheets from several homes were blown away and found hanging from tree branches or in neighbouring villages. Many affected families are now living under the open sky after losing their homes.

Locals described the storm as one of the most severe they have experienced in the area, saying it struck suddenly and left widespread damage.

Union BNP unit convener Azizul Haque said the storm damaged not only houses but also many trees in the affected areas.

He added that the matter had been reported to the local Member of Parliament (MP) to assist in the rehabilitation of the victims.

Union Parishad Chairman Manjur Al Mamun said he visited the affected area on Sunday afternoon and informed the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) to arrange assistance for the victims.

Meanwhile, Upazila Agriculture Officer Md Mashiur Rahman said the hailstorm did not significantly affect Boro paddy fields, but some damage was reported to vegetable crops and maize fields.

He added that agricultural officials are providing guidance to the affected farmers.

MS/AM