Rajshahi Correspondent:

A sudden storm battered the Padma River in Rajshahi last night (16 September), generating waves as high as 10 feet and sinking at least 20 boats, according to local boatmen.

The storm struck the river near the T-Bandh area at around 9pm, with strong winds coming from the west. The resulting waves damaged around 50 boats moored along the riverbank, locals said.

The waves also damaged the city protection embankment, with blocks at several points reportedly sinking.

At least 15 people were injured while trying to rescue the boats after the storm, according to local residents.

Locals began recovering the sunken boats from the river this morning (17 September).

Rohidul Islam, in-charge of the Rajshahi weather office, said a sudden storm developed around 9pm, with wind speeds reaching 20–30 nautical miles per hour.

He said the storm generated large waves in the Padma.

Although locals described the incident as a tidal surge, the weather office said conditions were not conducive to a tidal surge in the Padma River.

Executive Engineer Arifur Rahman Angkur of the Water Development Board said officials were inspecting the embankment area to assess whether any sections had been damaged.