A sudden and violent Kalboishakhi storm struck Thakurgaon district’s Ranishankail upazila on Thursday night (12 March), claiming the life of a young schoolboy and causing widespread damage to homes and crops. The tragic incident occurred in Kumargram village, within the Nekmord Union, when the upper portion of a brick wall collapsed onto the boy’s bed during the fierce storm.
The deceased, Rejwan Hossain, was 13 years old, the only son of Taherul Islam, and a seventh-grade student at Nekmord Ideal School and College. Known for his cheerful disposition, Rejwan’s untimely death has cast a shadow of grief over the local community.
According to local residents and family members, the storm began abruptly in the evening, accompanied by strong gusts of wind. The corrugated iron roof of Taherul Islam’s house was torn off, causing part of the brick wall to collapse onto Rejwan while he was asleep. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition, the boy could not be saved.
Ranishankail Police Station Officer-in-Charge Amanullah Al Bari confirmed the incident, stating, “We have received reports that a young boy died after being crushed by a wall during the storm. It is an extremely distressing event.”
In addition to the tragic loss of life, the storm has inflicted significant damage on the area’s agriculture over the past two days. Officials report that crops such as maize, potatoes, and seasonal vegetables have suffered extensive damage. Numerous trees were uprooted, and many homes and small structures were partially or severely damaged.
Majedul Islam, Deputy Director of Thakurgaon Agricultural Extension Department, said, “The Kalboishakhi storm has caused substantial agricultural losses. Our field officers are currently assessing the exact extent of the damage.”
The table below summarises the impact of the storm on key areas and crops in Ranishankail upazila:
| Area | Damaged Crops | Nature of Damage | Infrastructure Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kumargram | Maize, Potato, Rice | Crops flattened in fields | House wall collapse causing fatality |
| Ranishankail Sadar | Maize, Potato | Approx. 50% crop loss | Uprooted trees, damaged houses |
| Nekmord Village | Rice, Seasonal vegetables | Field crops damaged | Roofs torn off houses |
| Other Villages | Vegetables, Maize | Partial crop loss | Small huts and structures damaged |
Authorities have urged local residents to exercise caution, especially in areas with older or vulnerable structures. Emergency services and local volunteers are assisting affected families and providing immediate relief where possible.
The storm serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of communities in northern Bangladesh to sudden weather events, highlighting the need for enhanced preparedness and resilient infrastructure to mitigate the risks of future disasters.