One killed, crops damaged in Malda storm

A storm in the wee hours today claimed one life, damaged crops and mud huts across four blocks in Malda district, a top district official said.
The storm began at 5 am and continued for over 30 minutes sweeping across Bamongola, Habibpur, Gajol and Ratua II blocks, District Magistrate, Tanmoy Chakraborty said.
The DM said that a person called Muklesh Rehman, who was guarding a pond at Bokdighi in Gajol died after a wall adjacent to the pond collapsed on him during the storm.
He also said that the storm damaged crops and mud huts.
Thatched roofs of houses were also blown away, the DM said, adding, that the extent of damage was being assessed.

Tarpauline sheets will be provided to people whose houses were damaged, Chakraborty said.