Severe storm kills seven in Sunamganj

SUNAMGANJ, Mar 22: A severe storm tore through five upazilas of the district leaving at least seven minor children killed and about 200 wounded Friday midnight. Jamshed Mia (10) and Nasima Khatun Kona (5) in Sadar Upazila, Nilufa Begum (4) and Amir Ali (70) in Dharampasha upazila, Maleka Begum (5) and Hamid (7) in Bishwambbarpur upazila and Champa Rani Das (10) in Chhatak upazila died as houses collapsed and saucers flew under the impact of the storm, said reports from the affected areas. About 2,500 kutcha houses were blown away or razed to the ground. The storm accompanied by hailstorm also caused damage to early boro plants about to flower and uprooted trees. Power supply in Tahirpur, Bishwambbarpur, Dharampasha and other areas remained suspended until 8:00pm Saturday. Power officials said high voltage line at Chhatak was damaged by the storm. Meanwhile, Shafiqul Islam of Lamagaon village in Tahirpur upazila was reported missing as a boat capsized in a hoar. Others swam ashore. — BSS