Sudden Storm Damages Over 50 Houses in Shantiganj

At least 50 houses, shops, and businesses were damaged as a sudden storm swept through Shantiganj upazila in Sunamganj late Monday night. The brief but intense storm has left many local residents in distress.

Local sources reported the storm began around 2:30 AM and lasted approximately half an hour. It tore through Paschim Pagla, Joykalash, and Purba Pagla unions, destroying homes, garages, and warehouses.

Ali Haider, a shopkeeper from Inatnagar in Paschim Pagla, recounted the experience: "I woke up to the sound of the storm after the Shab-e-Barat prayers. My family and I ran for safety. Once it stopped, I found my shop uprooted and lodged in a nearby tree."

Haider, who had stocked up on essentials like rice, oil, and sugar ahead of Eid, estimated his losses at 1.5 lakh BDT. "Most of my stock is ruined," he added.

Other villagers faced similar devastation. The tin roofs of shops belonging to UP members Ali Ahmed and Shamim Ahmed were blown away, while the homes of Ebadur Rahman and Farid Mia sustained severe damage.

In Fatehpur village, Rehena Begum, a widow, is now living under the open sky with her children after her roof was destroyed. "I have no shelter left. I am pleading for government help," she said.

Shantiganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Shahjahan confirmed the reports of the damage. "We are currently compiling a list of affected families through the Union Parishads. The Upazila administration will provide necessary assistance following the verification process," he stated.