NAGESHWARI, KURIGRAM, Apr 22: A severe nor'wester has caused extensive damage in Nageshwari Upazila, destroying trees, homes, and agricultural crops, leaving many residents in distress.
The storm hit during the first week of Baishakh following a day of unstable weather. The morning remained cloudy, and heavy rain began around 11 am. Although conditions briefly improved during the day, the weather turned violent again around 9 pm when strong Nor'wester winds accompanied by rain swept across the upazila.
The short but intense storm uprooted large trees, many of which fell onto houses and homesteads. Several homes were damaged, while palm and banana trees were destroyed in different areas.
In the eastern Sukhati Senpara area of the municipality, a large mahogany tree fell onto a community Durga temple, damaging its tin roof and walls. The house of Bishnu Chandra was also destroyed. Another resident, Sadhan Sen, lost a house that was blown away and landed elsewhere, while his under-construction bathroom was also damaged. In another incident, a large tree fell onto Shamsunnahar's house, damaging its roof.
Residents said they narrowly escaped injury in several cases. Dulali, a local resident, said she was sitting on a veranda when a large mahogany tree nearby swayed violently in strong winds before breaking and crashing into the side of her house. She said it could have been fatal if it had fallen directly on the home.
Farmers also reported significant losses. Akbar Ali said around 10 palm trees in his orchard were destroyed, causing an estimated loss of around Tk 20,000.
The storm also damaged seasonal fruit crops, including mango, jackfruit and litchi, with many flowers and fruit buds falling. Agricultural fields were also affected, as large areas of young and semi-mature rice crops were flattened by the wind. Extensive maize fields were also found lying flat in several locations.
Local agriculture officials said the damage to standing crops, particularly rice and maize, appears limited but will be assessed further.
Upazila Project Implementation Officer Mofakhkharul Islam said the extent of the overall damage is being evaluated.
Upazila Agriculture Officer Shahriar Hossain said some paddy and maize fields have been affected, with crops leaning due to strong winds, but he does not expect major losses at this stage.
Residents, however, remain concerned as they begin clearing debris and repairing damaged homes following the sudden storm.
