West Bengal: Major storm hits parts of Malda, 2 killed

According to reports, as many as six development block areas of Malda district were hit by the storm at around 5:30 am. and it continued for over 30 minutes.

With a wind speed of 70-80 kmph, the heavy storm destroyed several houses and damaged corps and fruits.

Malda District Magistrate (DM) Tanmoy Chakraborty told IBNS, "The massive storm mainly damaged houses, huts and corps at Bamongola, Habibpur, Gajol, Chanchol-II and Ratua-II block areas while few other blocks, including Chanchol-I, Ratua-I, Manikchak and English Bazar, were partly hit by the gust and shower."

"After the incident, rescue workers rushed to the affected areas and adequate succours were also sent there," Chakraborty added.

A senior official of Malda district police has confirmed that at least two persons were killed as mud-walls fell on them during the storm.

"Reports of two deaths due to storm have been reported so far while more than 25 persons were injured in the incident," the officer told IBNS.

"The deceased have been identified as Mukulesh Rehman (60) and nearly 9-year-old Manirul Islam, who were the residents of Gajol block's Majhra village and Dhangara Bishonpur village under Chanchol-II development block area respectively," the official further said.

Due to the heavy storm and rainfall, electricity and telecommunication systems were affected in the areas which has not been retrieved till the latest update came in.

A source said that over thousand people have become homeless as large number of mud-huts were flattened and roofs of several houses were blown away by powerful wind.

(Reporting by Deepayan Sinha)