Seven persons were killed and huge properties, thatched houses, standing crops and trees damaged during nor'westers that overnight swept through Jaldhaka, Domar and Dimla upazilas of Nilphamari district, officials said, reports BSS.
"Seven persons were killed in separate incidents of tree fallings and wall collapses at different areas of Jaldhaka and Domar upazilas," Deputy Commissioner of Nilphamari Mohammad Khaled Rahim told BSS over cell phone from the spot on Friday afternoon.
The deceased were identified as Sumaiya Begum, 30, and her three-month old daughter Moni of village Khkochimatha under Dharmopal union and Ashikur Rahman, 22, of village Purbo Shimulbari under Mirganj union in Jaldhaka upazila.
The other deceased were - Afizar Rahman, 50, of village Botolganj under Ketkibari union, Zamiul Islam, 12, of village Khankapara and Khadija Begum, 50, of village Shakharipara under Bhogdaburi union and Abdul Gani, 40, of village Chowrangi Bazar under Gomnati union of Domar upazila.
The DC said hundreds of thatched houses, trees, huge standing crops and other properties were damaged during the nor'westers that lashed Jaldhaka, Domar and Dimla upazilas and adjoining areas for around 20 minutes last night with torrential rains.
"I have visited the spots with officials and public representatives and distributed Taka 15,000 and 30-kilogram rice to each of the six families of the deceased persons," the DC said, adding that another victim's family is affluent and does not require relief.
"I have also directed the officials of different departments concerned for assessing the damages and losses caused by the nor'westers," he added.
Domar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Ummey Fatima, Dimla UNO Nazmun Nahar and Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Jaldhaka Thana Mostafizur Rahman have confirmed the loss of lives and properties during the nor'westers.