Tornado Damages Homes and Businesses in Sandwip

A sudden tornado struck Sandwip upazila of Chattogram, causing significant damage to residential houses and local establishments. The storm damaged a shop, a brick kiln and around 20 to 25 homes in the area. No casualties or injuries have been reported so far.

The tornado hit Adarshapara village in Ward No. 8 of Magdhara Union at around 11:30am on Thursday (9 July), leaving residents shocked and frightened. The powerful winds lasted only a short period but caused considerable destruction in the affected area.

A one-minute video of the tornado has circulated on social media, showing the force of the strong winds as they lifted rooftops and damaged structures. The footage also captured the panic among local residents, with the voices of frightened women and children heard during the incident.

Local sources said several houses suffered damage as their tin roofs were blown away by the intense wind. Some structures also sustained damage to walls and other parts. A nearby shop was affected as its roof, fencing and goods were scattered by the storm. A brick kiln in the area also suffered damage.

Former chairman of Magdhara Union Parishad and joint convenor of Sandwip Upazila BNP, Kausar Ahmed, visited the affected area after the incident. He said the tornado caused damage to a number of homes, with initial estimates suggesting that around 20 to 25 houses were affected.

“Several houses have lost their roofs due to the tornado. A shop’s roof, fencing and goods have also been damaged. My own brick kiln has suffered losses as well,” he said. He added that the matter had been brought to the attention of the administration and that steps would be taken to assess the extent of the damage and provide necessary assistance.

Residents said the tornado appeared suddenly and created panic among people living in the area. Many rushed outdoors or moved to safer places as strong winds swept through the neighbourhood. Although the storm caused property damage, the absence of casualties brought some relief to the affected families.

Sandwip, being a coastal island area, remains vulnerable to various natural hazards, including storms, heavy rainfall and tidal surges. Local communities often face challenges during extreme weather events, making early warning systems and emergency preparedness essential.

Authorities are expected to assess the damage and take necessary measures to support affected families. Local representatives and residents have called for swift assistance so that those who lost parts of their homes or livelihoods can recover from the sudden disaster.