A devastating thunderstorm accompanied by cyclonic rain and high-velocity winds struck Bhagalpur district late Monday night, claiming five lives and causing widespread disruption to power supply, road connectivity, and railway services.
Casualties and Rescue Operations
Three bodies were recovered and identified by Tuesday, while State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams continued searching for two missing persons. The deceased were identified as Nakul Yadav (37), Kuna Devi (70), and Md Jainul (57).
Meteorological Impact
According to meteorological sources, wind speeds ranging from 110 to 140 kilometers per hour uprooted trees and electric poles across the district, leading to a complete power blackout and drinking water shortages in several localities.
Disruption of Transport and Infrastructure
Train operations on the Katihar-Naugachia-Barauni section were severely affected due to damage to overhead electric wires. Traffic on National Highways 31 and 80, along with numerous other roads, remained paralyzed as large trees collapsed onto the roadways. Heavy vehicles and private cars were stranded throughout the night as SDRF and district administration teams worked tirelessly to clear the routes.
Damage in Naugachia Subdivision
The Naugachia subdivision experienced extensive damage, with numerous kutcha houses, roadside kiosks, and temporary structures destroyed by the storm.
Medical Facility Affected
At Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Hospital, a wall of a surgery ward storeroom and a fabricated ward collapsed after a tree fell on the building. Water entered hospital wards due to broken windows and walls, forcing authorities to shift indoor patients to safer rooms.
Administrative Response
Bhagalpur District Magistrate Nawal Kishor Choudhary stated, "The destruction and damage is huge due to the cyclonic storm in the district. Our teams, including SDRF, have been working since midnight to restore civic life, including electricity supply and road connectivity, as early as possible." He confirmed that restoration work was underway across the district.
Authorities are assessing the full extent of the damage and coordinating relief efforts. Residents are advised to remain cautious as weather conditions may remain unstable.
