A tragic incident during a severe Kalbaishakhi storm in Naogaon’s Atrai upazila claimed the life of a 20-year-old pregnant woman after a large tree was uprooted and crashed onto her makeshift home.
The incident occurred on Sunday night (26 April) in a Bede settlement situated along the banks of the Atrai River. The deceased, identified as Arfatun, was approximately three months pregnant at the time of the accident.
According to eyewitnesses and local residents, sudden gusty winds accompanied by heavy rain and thunderstorms swept through the area in the evening, triggering widespread disruption. During the storm, a large eucalyptus tree standing near the settlement was uprooted due to the intensity of the wind.
The fallen tree directly struck a temporary dwelling constructed with polythene sheets and lightweight materials. Arfatun was reportedly asleep inside the structure when the tree collapsed on top of it, leaving her critically injured and trapped beneath the debris.
Family members and neighbours immediately rushed to the scene upon hearing the commotion. After a difficult rescue effort, she was pulled from beneath the fallen tree and taken to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment.
As her condition deteriorated, she was later transferred to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital for advanced care. Despite medical intervention, she succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment.
On Monday morning (27 April), Naogaon Superintendent of Police Mohammad Tariqul Islam visited the affected Bede settlement. During his visit, he spoke with the grieving family members, offering condolences and assurances of support. He also inspected the site of the incident and gathered preliminary information from local residents.
Police from Atrai police station confirmed that legal formalities are underway and the body will be handed over to the family after completion of the necessary procedures.
Victim Profile
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Arfatun |
| Age | 20 years |
| Pregnancy Status | Approximately 3 months pregnant |
| Location | Bede settlement, Atrai, Naogaon |
| Cause of Death | Injuries from fallen tree |
| Date of Incident | 26 April (Sunday night) |
| Place of Treatment | Rajshahi Medical College Hospital |
The incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of marginalised riverbank communities in Bangladesh, particularly those living in makeshift housing that offers little protection against increasingly severe seasonal storms.
