Kolkata, 05 June (H.S.):

A sudden and severe storm struck two villages in the Dantan-1 block of West Midnapore district, causing widespread damage and claiming one life. The violent windstorm hit Chak Ismailpur Gram Panchayat’s Madhubaicha and Baharda villages late Wednesday evening, uprooting trees, damaging rooftops, and toppling electric poles.

The deceased has been identified as Rajkumar Duari, aged 45, a resident of Narayanchak. He was working alone in a peanut field when he was fatally struck by lightning. Local residents found him dead at the scene.

The storm was accompanied by heavy rain and thunder, alarming the local population. Several areas are currently without electricity, and communication networks have also been disrupted due to the damage.

The local administration has yet to initiate relief operations, but preliminary reports are being prepared at the panchayat level to assess the situation. Efforts are expected soon to restore power and communication in the affected villages.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh