Photo: BSS

PATUAKHALI, April 28, 2026 (BSS) - A powerful Nor’westers (Kal Baisakhi) storm swept through Kalapara upazila of the district on Tuesday afternoon, leaving significant destruction in its wake. 

At least five houses were completely destroyed, while more than 50 others incurred partial damage.

The storm struck around 1:30 pm, heavily impacting Nawabganj and Salimpur villages under Nilganj union. According to initial reports from local residents, the homes of Mannan Boyati, Maryam, and Madhav in Nawabganj, along with those of Nirmal Biswas and Bimal Biswas in Salimpur, were entirely flattened by the sudden gusty winds and heavy rainfall.

The affected families have taken temporary shelter in neighboring houses as they cope with the aftermath. In addition to these losses, several homes in nearby unions -- including Latachapoli, Mahipur, Dhulasar, and Mithaganj -- were partially damaged. Many of the victims, described as economically vulnerable, are now facing severe hardship.

The storm also uprooted hundreds of trees across the area, further compounding the damage.

Kalapara Upazila Nirbahi Officer Kausar Hamid confirmed that authorities are compiling a list of those affected. He said that the information will be forwarded to higher authorities to facilitate relief and assistance efforts.