Photo: Collected
A number of dwelling houses and shops have been destroyed by sudden stormy winds that struck Cox’s Bazar abruptly. Alongside trees being broken down in the fury of the storm, electricity poles have been damaged. At least 15 people have been injured in various accidents including lightning strikes.
The sky took on a red-orange colour just before evening on Tuesday (29 September). This sudden fury of the Kalbaishakhi storm swept through right after evening.
It has been learnt from local sources that intense rain and lightning began suddenly with gusty wind on Tuesday evening. Panic spread among ordinary people as the wind speed increased within moments. In the intensity of the storm, the tin roofs and fences of many dwelling houses and shops were blown away. Internal communication and vehicular movement were disrupted as branches of trees broke and fell on the roads at various places.
At this time, Abul Hossain, critically injured by lightning in Pekua, has been admitted to Pekua Upazila Health Complex. He is the son of late Nazir Ahmad of the Boksiaghona area of Rajakhali union. Besides, a young man named Mohammad Alam (26) was critically injured by lightning while working in a paddy field in the Sabrang area of Teknaf; he has been admitted to the district Sadar Hospital.
Locals said the impact of the storm was the greatest in the Bainyaghona area adjacent to Katapari bridge in Magnama union. At least 10 shops and quite a few dwelling houses were severely damaged there. Electricity supply in that area was cut off as the tin roofs of several shops were blown away and fell on the main power line about 100 metres away.
Meanwhile, an elderly man named Abul Kashem (65) has died from lightning in Kutubdia. The incident took place at Meijjar Para of Uttar Dhurung union in the upazila. The deceased Abul Kashem is the son of late Mokhlesur Rahman of that area.
Confirming the matter, Nurul Islam, member of ward No 6 of Uttar Dhurung union, said Abul Kashem of Meijjar Para was returning home after shopping at the local Diabetes Market at around 6:30pm on Tuesday. He suddenly fell unconscious on the road from a lightning strike.
Mahbubul Haque, officer-in-charge (OC) of Kutubdia thana, has confirmed the news of the death of that elderly man from lightning. The body has been handed over to the family after the inquest report.
