Storm damages crops and houses in E Champaran

Motihari: Hundreds of kutcha houses were damaged and more than 400 mango and litchi trees uprooted after a powerful thunderstorm accompanied by gale-force winds hit East Champaran on Monday night.The worst-hit areas were around 50 villages in Patahi and Fenhara blocks, where standing crops, including mango, litchi and mung, suffered extensive losses.Agriculture minister Vijay Sinha said he had directed the district administration to assess the damage caused by the storm.A farmer from Rupani village said more than 100 thatched houses belonging to poor families were badly damaged. He added that several orchards were destroyed in the storm.According to reports, a room of an Urdu school in Gonahi village was also damaged.Residents said the midnight storm caught people unawares and strong winds blew away tin sheds and roofing materials.The district public relations officer said disaster management officials were conducting a survey to submit a report to the govt.