40-second tornado ravages 20 houses in Sonagazi

A powerful tornado lasting just 40 seconds has left at least 20 houses destroyed in Sonagazi Upazila of Feni district. More than 100 trees were uprooted or damaged, while four electricity poles collapsed, affecting 35 families.

The tornado struck Madhyam Swarajpur village under Motiganj Union at around 12pm on Sunday (July 19).

Witnesses said the tornado hit with a deafening roar, uprooting four electricity poles and toppling over a hundred trees within moments. Around 20 small and large houses were completely destroyed, while electricity meters belonging to 35 families were ripped from their connections and thrown away by the force of the storm.

Local resident Alim Uddin said he had never witnessed such a devastating tornado in his 70 years of life. "The entire area was left in ruins within moments," he said.

District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Mahmud Alam said authorities are assessing the extent of the damage. He added that instructions have been issued to distribute dry food among the affected families.

Sonagazi Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Regan Chakma said the local administration has begun taking the necessary measures to provide immediate assistance to those affected by the tornado.