A tornado lashed different district of the county on Thursday morning, damaging at least 50 houses and uprooting trees, temples, and electric poles.
However, no casualties were reported in the incident.
In Gopalganj, a tornado struck Kashiani upazila of Gopalganj around 3:30pm on Thursday, causing damage to around 25 business establishments, temples, trees, and electric poles.
Sirajul Islam (Harun) Kazi, joint general secretary of Bhatiapara Bazar Association, reported that the tornado hit the area at around 3:30pm. About 20-25 shops and a temple in the Tandba market were destroyed within seconds. Goods in the shops were extensively damaged, signboards were blown away, and numerous trees were uprooted.
The tornado also caused the breakage of electric poles, leading to a halt in power supply. Traders incurred significant losses due to the destruction.
Hotelier Monir Fakir, 50, said: "The sky turned black, and strong winds swept through. In an instant, the rice in my shop was blown away. I had to run in fear, finding shelter in the neighbouring shop."
Kashiani Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mehdi Hasan confirmed the incident, adding: "While the tin roofs of several business establishments were blown away, fortunately, no casualties were reported. However, a comprehensive assessment of the damage is yet to be conducted."
In Faridpur, at least 15 homes and numerous trees in Saltha upazila’s Sonatundi village in Faridpur were damaged by a tornado that lasted for three minutes on Thursday.
Falling tree branches disrupted the power supply in the area as the storm wreaked havoc.
Furthermore, the only brick road in the north part of Sonatundi was blocked due to fallen trees, cutting off road communication.
Faridpur Deputy Commissioner (DC) Md Quamrul Ahsan Talukder said: “I have instructed the upazila administration and public representatives to take action. They will compile a list of victims by tomorrow (Friday) morning, and the district administration will provide full support to those affected.”
