DACCA: The tornado-battered Dacca city and its suburbs were today [April 17] lashed by a high-velocity nor’wester which gained a maximum speed of 75 miles per hour. The storm passed over the areas which were struck by a severe tornado on Monday [April 14] leaving a trail of death, destruction and misery. Today’s storm was accompanied by a heavy shower, adding to the sufferings of those who have been rendered shelterless by Monday’s tornado.

No report was immediately available of any damage caused by today’s nor’wester but accompanied as it was with heavy rains, it is sure to hamper the rescue and relief operation in the tornado-hit areas. Chittagong town and its suburbs were also hit by strong gale moving at speed of 45 miles an hour. The gale lasted for 20 minutes and was accompanied by thundershower. No reports of any casualty or damage have been received so far.

Meanwhile, according to latest reports, with the recovery of 53 more bodies and deaths of 11 persons in the hospitals, the official estimates of deaths rolled to 604 (Dacca district 404 and Comilla district 200). Salvage work was still going on and it is feared that still more bodies might lie buried under the debris. Many bodies have been seen floating away in the rivers, according to villagers, who have salvaged a number of them. — Correspondent

Published in Dawn, April 18th, 2019