PHULBARI, KURIGRAM, Apr 27: A Nor'wester has wreaked havoc on 14 shops in Phulbari Upazila of the district on Saturday night.
The storm struck suddenly at around 11 pm, hitting Borovita Market under Borovita Union of the upazila.
On Sunday noon, it was observed that 14 shops in the market were completely destroyed. At the time, traders were trying to remove fallen trees from the site.
Affected traders Ayub Ali, Hafiz Ali, Jamshed Ali and Emadul Haque mentioned that large 50-year-old banyan tree fell during sudden Nor'wester on Saturday night, destroying their shops. Even though they rushed to the scene, they could not save any goods.
They claimed that the damage to their shops ranged from Tk 15 to 18 lakh each.
They further mentioned that the total damage across all the shops amounted to about Tk 60 lakh.
They expressed concern that without government assistance, they would be left destitute.
Acting Chairman of Borovita Union Parishad Jannati Khatun mentioned that a list of the affected traders has been prepared and forwarded to Phulbari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) for compensation.
UNO Rehnuma Tarannum stated that a list of the affected traders was compiled on Sunday morning and it has already been submitted to higher authorities.
Once the allocation arrives, compensation will be provided to the affected traders, the UNO added.
