A severe pre-monsoon storm accompanied by Kalbaishakhi squalls has left parts of Madarganj upazila in Jamalpur district without electricity for four consecutive days, affecting an estimated 30,000 residents across at least 15 villages. The outage, which began in the early hours of Saturday (25 April), has yet to be fully restored, causing widespread disruption to daily life, education, and communication.
According to local reports, strong winds and heavy rainfall during the storm uprooted trees in several locations, bringing down power lines and damaging electrical poles. Although partial restoration has been achieved in some areas, full service has not yet resumed due to ongoing repair work and adverse weather conditions.
The disruption has been particularly challenging for students sitting for ongoing SSC and equivalent examinations, many of whom are struggling to maintain their study routines in the absence of reliable lighting and charging facilities.
Affected Areas
The outage has impacted multiple unions and villages across the upazila. The affected locations are outlined below:
| Union |
Villages / Areas Affected |
| Koirarchar Union |
Salabanda, Chhoto Bhangbari, Mohishbathan, East Mohishbathan, Laldoba, East Nolchhia, Ilshamari, Char Guzamanika, Baglergor |
| Char Pakerdah Union |
Dikpara |
| Balijuri Union |
East Tartapara |
| Jorkhali Union |
Khilkati West Para |
| Gunariitala Union |
North Jorkhali, Gunariitala East Para |
Local residents report severe inconvenience due to the prolonged outage. In Laldoba, resident Aminul Islam said that the absence of electricity for four days has disrupted study routines, particularly for SSC candidates. He added that mobile phone charging has become difficult, while stored food has spoiled due to non-functional refrigerators.
Similarly, Jihad Ahmed from East Tartapara noted that telecommunication and internet services have also been affected, making it difficult for residents to maintain communication and carry out routine tasks.
SSC candidate Raihan Ahmed described the situation as highly challenging during examination time, stating that students are forced to study under candlelight or basic rechargeable lamps, which is insufficient for sustained preparation.
Residents of Khilkati have also expressed frustration over the delay in restoration. Kamrul Islam remarked that the combination of storm damage and prolonged power cuts has intensified public dissatisfaction.
Authority Response
Officials from the Jamalpur Palli Bidyut Samity, Madarganj zonal office, stated that restoration efforts are ongoing. Deputy General Manager Syeda Farzana Yasmin confirmed that multiple poles were damaged and power lines brought down due to fallen trees during the storm.
She added that although electricity has been partially restored in some locations, progress has been slowed by manpower shortages and intermittent rainfall. Repair teams, however, are continuing their work late into the night in an effort to fully restore the supply as quickly as possible.
As restoration work continues, residents remain hopeful for a swift return to normal services, though many areas continue to experience significant disruption.
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