JESSORE: At least 75 persons were killed and 500 injured in a cyclone which ripped through the northern and southern parts of Narail sub-division last evening [April 12].

The Commissioner of Khulna Division, Mr K.M. Ahsan, said that five unions in the sub-division had been badly affected.

According to reports, many houses were damaged and a considerable number of head of cattle and domestic animals also perished in the cyclonic winds. The velocity of the wind was so great that many big trees were uprooted, the reports added.

The Governor of East Pakistan, Mr Abdul Monem Khan, is leaving tomorrow by air to visit the affected areas.

Thirteen villages under Narial and Lohagara police stations have been damaged by the cyclone, the second in nine days. The worst affected villages are Gachbari, Baripour, Jalalshi, Halda, Bal, Kanthapur and Moapara in Naldi union, Eranda Bairpara of Lakhipassa, Kascpur Union. The Civil Surgeon of Jessore left for the affected areas soon after the receipt of the news. He said the injured persons were being carried to Narail sub-division hospital by country boats and motor launches for medical treatment.