By S.M. Osman Goni, from Satkhira
A sudden hailstorm and strong winds recently caused widespread destruction in Shyamnagar upazila of Satkhira, severely affecting agriculture, houses, and livelihoods.
Local residents described the event as unprecedented. Crops, fruit trees, and vegetation were almost entirely destroyed. “We have never seen such intense hail before. Leaves, fruits, everything is gone,” said villagers from Jelekhali.”
Farmers reported heavy losses, particularly in vegetables, watermelon, and Boro rice fields, many of which were at a critical growth stage. Agricultural officials confirmed that large areas of farmland, including around 10 hectares of watermelon fields, were completely damaged.
Many households also suffered structural damage, with roofs broken by hailstones. In some villages, over a hundred families were affected. People and livestock were injured during the storm, while fish ponds and homestead crops were also damaged.
One farmer reported losses exceeding BDT 900,000 due to crop destruction, while others said they had lost their entire seasonal investments. Agricultural officers warned that the damage could significantly reduce food production in the area this year.
The disaster has left marginal farmers in deep uncertainty, with urgent calls for compensation and rehabilitation support.
