30-second tornado ravages Gopalganj

At least 150 houses and shops in two upazilas of Gopalganj have been destroyed and nearly 15 people were injured in a 30-second tornado in Gopalganj around 6:30pm on Thursday. The upazila administration has announced financial assistance to the victims of the storm.

After the calamity, Muksudpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer SM Imam Razi and local public representatives conducted on-site assessments in the affected areas on Friday. In a first step toward assistance, 30 kg of rice has been distributed among affected and vulnerable families.

During a visit, locals said that it was raining continuously throughout Thursday. In the evening, an unanticipated tornado swept through the Bhatiapara villages of Basudevpur, Mahatali, Digrikandi, Tikardanga, and Kasiani upazilas in Muksudpur. In just half a minute, the tornado demolished over 150 houses and shops, leaving behind fallen trees and downed electrical poles. Consequently, five villages in the two upazilas were left without electricity due to the severe damage to the electrical infrastructure. At least 15 individuals suffered injuries as their homes collapsed during the tornado. The tornado caused a loss worth approximately Tk two crore. In this incident, more than 500 people from 65 families have left their homes and taken shelter in various places including cyclone shelters.

Chairman of Ujani Union Parishad of Muksudpur Upazila, Shyamal Kanti Bose said, "A 1-minute tornado around 6:30 pm on Thursday destroyed 70 houses belonging to 40 families in four villages. Trees were uprooted, and electricity lines were disrupted due to collapsed power poles. Fortunately, no life was lost in this incident. We are making a list of affected families."
Muksudpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer, SM Imam Razi Tulu said, "30 kg of rice has been distributed to the affected poor and helpless families. We will list the names of the affected families and help them to rehabilitate to a better place as soon as possible."