A sudden 12-minute storm wreaked havoc on 20 villages in Baliadangi upazila of Thakurgaon district, resulting in the deaths of two women and a minor boy on Saturday morning. The storm, which struck around 5am, caused significant damage to homes, trees, and infrastructure, affecting over a hundred households and leading to widespread power outages.
The victims were identified as Nayum, a two-and-a-half-year-old boy, Farida Begum, 40, and Jaheda Begum, 50. Nayum tragically drowned after falling into a water-filled ditch near his home. Farida Begum was found under the debris of her tin-shed roof and was pronounced dead upon arrival at the Baliadangi Upazila Health Complex. Jaheda Begum, who had been ailing for a long time, likely suffered a fatal stroke from panic during the storm, according to her husband, Dabirul Islam.
The storm inflicted the most damage in Baliadangi Upazila, particularly in the Paria and Duoshuo unions. Affected villages in Paria Union included Tilkora, Shaldanga, Bangavita, Lohara, and Bamunia, while Belhara, Belbari, Botarhat, and Horipur were among the impacted areas in Borobari Union. The devastation included the destruction of homes, uprooting of trees, and damage to five shops and two restaurants in Adardighi bazaar.
Fazlur Rahman, headmaster of Loharagada High School, reported the storm had torn off the tin roof of their hall room and brought down a tree on an electric pole, blocking the road to Bangavita. Kamrul Islam, assistant general manager of the Baliadangi Zonal Office of Palli Bidyut Samiti, confirmed that over 40 electric poles were damaged, leading to widespread power cuts. Restoration efforts are currently underway.
Baliadangi Upazila Nirbahi Officer Afsana Kawsar, along with UP chairman and local officials, are assessing the damage in the affected districts. Thakurgaon-2 constituency MP Principal Mazharul Islam Sujon visited the devastated areas to express his condolences and assure support for the affected families.
