A powerful thunderstorm accompanied by gale-force winds struck East Champaran on Monday night, causing widespread damage to hundreds of kutcha houses and uprooting more than 400 mango and litchi trees. The worst-affected areas included around 50 villages in Patahi and Fenhara blocks, where standing crops such as mango, litchi, and mung suffered extensive losses.
Assessment and Response
Agriculture minister Vijay Sinha stated that he has directed the district administration to assess the damage caused by the storm. A farmer from Rupani village reported that over 100 thatched houses belonging to poor families were badly damaged, and several orchards were destroyed.
Damage to Infrastructure
According to reports, a room of an Urdu school in Gonahi village was also damaged. Residents mentioned that the midnight storm caught people unawares, and strong winds blew away tin sheds and roofing materials.
Survey Underway
The district public relations officer confirmed that disaster management officials are conducting a survey to submit a report to the government. The survey aims to quantify the losses and facilitate relief measures.
