A sudden and violent nor’wester struck the village of Darikandi in Jahapur Union, Muradnagar, Comilla on Wednesday evening (18 March), resulting in the tragic death of a 55-year-old woman. The deceased, Shefali Barman, was the widow of Ranjan Chandra Barman and a lifelong resident of Darikandi village.
According to family sources, Shefali Barman had been living alone in a small tin-roofed house at her parental home following her husband’s passing. Both of her daughters were married, leaving her isolated in her old age.
Eyewitnesses reported that the storm, which began around 8:00 pm, brought torrential winds and heavy rain. During the tempest, a large jackfruit tree adjacent to her house suddenly snapped and fell directly onto her dwelling while she was having her evening meal. The impact caused the roof of the tin house to collapse, killing her instantly.
Local residents rushed to the scene after the storm subsided and were able to remove the fallen tree and recover her body. Inspector (Investigation) Mohammad Anwar Hossain Chowdhury of Muradnagar Police Station confirmed that the police mobile unit had worked at the site throughout the night. He also noted that, as of now, no formal complaint has been filed regarding the incident.
Authorities highlighted that an alert had been issued earlier in the day due to the forecast of severe nor’wester conditions, but the suddenness of the storm left villagers unprepared. The tragedy underscores the urgent need for enhanced awareness and safety measures during such abrupt weather events.
The table below summarises the key details of the incident:
| Location | Date & Time | Natural Event | Victim | Type of Dwelling | Body Recovered By |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Darikandi, Jahapur, Muradnagar | 18 March, 8:00 PM | Nor’wester and falling jackfruit tree | Shefali Barman (55) | Tin-roofed house | Local residents |
Residents of Muradnagar emphasised that sudden storms of this intensity are extreme examples of natural hazards. Being near large trees or unreinforced structures during violent winds significantly increases the risk of fatal injuries.
The incident has prompted local authorities to reiterate safety warnings and ensure that villagers are informed promptly during severe weather. Social and community leaders have expressed their condolences, urging immediate emergency preparedness measures in vulnerable areas to prevent similar tragedies in the future.