A severe nor'wester accompanied by hail and lightning struck Matlab North in Chandpur on Sunday night, damaging around 445 hectares of farmland, according to preliminary data from the Upazila Agriculture Office. The affected crops include boro paddy, maize, jute, sesame, mung beans, and summer vegetables. The storm followed several days of intense heat, bringing temporary relief but leaving farmers worried about extensive crop losses.

Field visits on Monday revealed that many paddy fields under the Meghna-Dhonagoda irrigation project were ready for harvest, with some farmers already cutting their crops. However, the hailstorm flattened many fields and uprooted trees, disrupting road traffic and electricity supply in several areas. Farmers reported significant damage to ripe paddy, maize, jute, and vegetables, raising concerns about financial losses.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Faisal Mohammad Ali said officials are assessing the exact extent of the damage. Farmers have been advised to move harvested paddy to safe locations and take protective measures for remaining crops.