Four persons, including a child, were killed when a nor’wester struck Nadia and Murshidabad districts on Friday afternoon.

Three persons were killed by lightning in Murshidabad’s Lalgola. A ration shop worker died when a giant banyan tree collapsed on his residence in Karimpur 2 block of Nadia district.

Preliminary reports indicate that thousands of houses collapsed in both the districts, rendering several families homeless.

According to sources in the Murshidabad district administration, the lightning victims were Jakir Seikh, 36, Sarikul Islam, 11, and Bapi Ghosh, 30.

Police said they were struck by lightning and taken to Krishnapur rural hospital, where doctors declared them brought-dead.

In Nadia’s Murutia, Krishnapada Harder, 60, was killed when the tree fell on his residence.

Official sources claimed that the number of deaths may increase in both the districts.

Sources said the hailstorm that continued for over one hour damaged properties and crops. The Tehatta subdivision of Nadia district and the Domkol subdivision of Murshidabad district were worst hit by the hailstorm.

Tehatta SDO Moumita Saha told The Telegraph: “The hailstorm caused severe damage to crops and properties in Karimpur 1 block. Our officials have began assessment of the loss and arranged for relief for the victims.”

Official sources claimed that the number of deaths may increase in both the districts. Telegraph photo

Traffic was largely disrupted on Krishnagar-Karimpur road as well as Natna-Karimpur road as several trees were uprooted.

“We have engaged disaster management personnel to get the road cleared as fast as possible,” said the SDO.

A senior official of Murshidabad administration said relief material was being sent to help the homeless families and the process of giving compensation to the kin of the victims had already began.

“We are assessing the situation, particularly the loss of property and agricultural produce. A report is being prepared,” said the official.