RAJSHAHI, August 2, 2024 (BSS)- Fishing boats and nets of 11 fishermen have been sunk in the Padma River adjacent to Matikata village under Godagari Upazila in the district due to gusty wind coupled with heavy rain last midnight.

     According to the affected fishermen, the boats along with many others had remained anchored in the river bank. But, 15 of those were washed away by the strong water current caused by gusty wind and heavy rain around 2.30 am.

     Jamal Uddin, one of the affected fishermen, said he had never seen such a storm from the south. "We searched for the boats and nets vigorously today but could not find them," he said, adding perhaps those were washed away.

     He also said each of the boats and its shallow engine and nets cost over Taka two lakh and the fishermen will face big financial troubles to recover the losses.

     Another fisherman Mursalin said they were waiting for the full season of harvesting fishes from the river for the last couple of months. They had to take necessary preparations, including boat marking and purchasing of engines and different kinds of nets, to catch the season.

     But, their dopes vanished due to the inclement weather, he lamented.