8 killed in nor’wester in Barisal, Bhola

Eight people were killed in separate incidents during the nor’wester in Patuakhali, Pirojpur, Jhalokathi and Bhola on Sunday.

The first nor'wester of the season struck the southern region on Sunday morning, resulting in four fatalities, 20 injuries, and widespread property damage.

Two fatalities occurred in Patuakhali's Bauphal upazila and Pirojpur Sadar upazila. Additionally, seven to eight individuals sustained injuries in Bauphal and 12 to 13 in Pirojpur Sadar upazila due to the nor'wester.

Among the deceased were Ratul, a teenager aged 14, and Sufia Begum, 75.

Dr Marjan Sultana of Bauphal Health Complex's emergency department said that Ratul died before reaching the hospital, with no visible signs of lightning burns found on his body. However, the sound of lightning might have triggered a fatal heart attack.

Bauphal Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Bashir Gazi instructed the Ministry of Agriculture and Union Parishad chairmen to evaluate the storm's damage.

In Pirojpur district, numerous homes sustained significant damage or were destroyed by the nor'wester.

Ruby Begum, 23, died when a tree fell on her house during the storm.

Her six-year-old daughter, Mehjabin, sustained critical injuries and was transferred to Khulna Medical College Hospital after receiving initial treatment in Pirojpur.

Another casualty, Anil Pal, 80, succumbed to injuries sustained when he was swept away by the storm's powerful winds on his way home in North Ranipur village.

Dr Ramzan Ali, the attending physician at the district hospital, confirmed Ruby's death and Mehjabin's transfer to Khulna Medical College Hospital.

Pirojpur Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahedur Rahman said that Pirojpur Sadar upazila was the hardest hit by the nor'wester, although the extent of the damage remains uncertain.

In Jhalokathi's two upazilas, lightning strikes claimed the lives of two women and a girl while they were tending to cows during the storm.

The incidents occurred in Sekherhat, Ponabalia Union of Jhalokathi Sadar upazila, and Aurabunia Union of Kathalia upazila around 11am on Sunday.

Jhalokathi district Superintendent of Police Mohammad Afruzul Haque Tutul identified the deceased as Helena Begum, Minara Begum, and Mahia Akter Ishan.

A wrongful death case will be filed in connection with these incidents, added the SP.

Additionally, a beggar named Hares Ahmed, 68, passed away in Badarpur area of Lalmohan upazila in Bhola. Seeking shelter from the storm in a local's house, Hares died after the house collapsed.

Lalmohan Upazila Nirbahi Officer Touhidul Islam confirmed the incident.