A sudden hailstorm accompanied by a nor’wester damaged crops and more than 100 houses across several upazilas in Netrakona, Bangladesh, on Saturday night, officials and residents said.
Local sources said intermittent hail and strong winds swept through Netrakona Sadar, Purbadhala, Barhatta, Kalmakanda, Atpara and Madan upazilas between 11 p.m. and 1:30 a.m.
Rakibul Hasan, additional deputy director of Department of Agricultural Extension in Netrakona, said large hailstones damaged an estimated 10 to 15 percent of paddy saplings in affected areas. Preliminary reports show about 150 hectares of Rabi crops were damaged.
Ruhul Amin, assistant director of Relief and Disaster Management Department in Netrakona, said a field assessment is underway.
Sukhmoy Sarkar, acting deputy commissioner in Netrakona, said authorities will take measures after gathering full information.