A woman cries in front of her wrecked home in Purnea. Picture by Mohan Mahato

Purnea, April 20: At least five persons, including a child of seven years, were killed in a storm that blew away the roofs of thatched houses in Dhamdaha sub-division of Purnea district last night.

Those killed in the storm were identified as Bindeshwari Mahato of Goriar village, Dinesh Chaudhari and his wife Nirmala Devi of Sreepur, Rupesh Uraon of Kukranwan and a seven-year child (name not known) of Latambari. The district administration today confirmed all five deaths and said all affected villages fall under the Dhamdaha sub division.

“The district administration has announced Rs 1 lakh for each family which has lost a member. The damage to standing crops is also being estimated and compensation would be given to the farmers soon,” local legislator Lesie Singh told The Telegraph.

Most affected in the storm were people living in thatched-roof houses. The deaths were reported to be a result of roofs falling on persons living in the houses. The thatched roofs are generally pressed with heavy logs to save from being blown away by strong wind.

The storm has left several families homeless. Many people were forced to take shelter under trees as their houses were completely demolished by the strong wind. “I have lost everything in the storm. My house is completely wrecked. It would be very difficult for me to rebuild my house and start my life again,” said Mohamad Isaak of Bhawanipur village who suffered severe damages because of the storm.

The high intensity wind also damaged more than 1000 hectares of crops, including maize, sunflower, banana and wheat. It also knocked down many old and heavy trees in the areas.

Electricity supply in the area was also affected because of the weather disturbance. Power supply was stopped in several villages. Many electric poles were rooted out and wires were snapped by the wind, adding to people’s plight in the area. The electricity department said the damage is massive and restoration of service will take some time.

Assessment of the damages at the ground level is being made by the district administration and to decide on the compensation and relief to be further provided to the affected people. Block level officials such as circle officers are making surveys to fields to estimate the damage suffered by the farmers.

Member of Legislative Assembly Lesie Singh visited the affected areas and interacted with the aggrieved families. She also condoled the families of the deceased and assured them of all help possible.