BENGAL TORNADO

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXVIII, Issue 117, 12 May 1932, Page 5

BENGAL TORNADO

TWENTY-TWO LIVES LOST

LONG TRAIL OF RUIN

By Telegraph —Copyright —Press Assn CALCUTTA, Alay 10.

Twenty-two warders, convicts, and

political prisoners, were killed, and over a hundred were injured when tho Alymensingh gaol. East Bengal, collapsed in a tornado. It. is feared that many arc buried in the debris. Rosene parties worked feverishly all night m blinding rain.

In the darkness and confusion panic-stricken ■prisoners clambcied over the ruins and escaped into tho jungle. Alany were recaptured in a round-up by an armed force, but 220 are still at large.

The gaol was almost wrecked. A portion of the brick walls, with iron girders, was lifted bodily by the force of the wind and flung long distances. The tornado travelled at a speed of 115 miles an hour, and swept the agricultural districts leaving a. trail of ruin. The frail houses of peasants were razed and many occupants killed and injured. The casualties are unknown.

The tornado also, struck villages in the Allahabad district. Twelve were killed and over a hundred injured. Scores of cattle perished. The storm was the most severe in the memory of the present generation.