A sudden storm, coupled with rain, caused extensive damage in some villages of Dinhata-Iblock in Cooch Behar district early on Thursday.

According to sources, atleast 100 tin-roof houses were damaged in the storm. Jute and vegetable cultivation were also hit.

Around 2 am, the storm rose in villages like Kharija-Baladanga, BrahmottarChauler Kothi, Matalhat, Pakhihagaand Putimari.

“The storm was so powerful that it blew off tins from the roofs of many houses. A number of electric poles and trees got uprooted. We sat under the open sky and got drenched. Whatever food grains we had in stock were washed away in the rain,” said Nur Hossain Khandakar, a resident of Kharija-Baladanga.

“A number of families have become homeless. We want the block administration to extend necessary help tous,” said a villager. The villagers said jute plants grown in these villages were ready for harvest, but the storm damaged them. They alleged that the block administration did not reach them with relief materials as most officials are busy with the nomination process for the July 8 rural polls. Officials of the block said they are yet to survey the loss to properties and crops.

“Necessary steps would be taken to help the families that have suffered losses,” said an official. Along with villages, the storm also affected some parts of Cooch Behar town. Rabindranath Ghosh, the local civic chief, said many trees got uprooted in four wards.“We have engaged workers to clear streets and lanes blocked by the fallen trees,” he said.