Dhaka: At least forty-one people, including children, were killed and hundreds injured when two devastating tornadoes struck several villages in Northern Bangladesh.

The twisters tore through nearly two-dozen farming villages last night (Apr 14, 2004) in Mymensingh and Netrokona districts, bordering Meghalaya.

The calamity struck when people across the country were celebrating Pahela Boishak, the first day of the Bangla New Year.

Preliminary reports said 15 people were killed in Haluaghat upazila of Mymensingh district, 110 kms from the capital, when a devastating tornado uprooted trees and damaged houses and crops. Hundreds were injured and thousands spent the night in open fields.

A severe storm also struck several areas near Netrokona district, 130 kms north of the capital Dhaka and killing 26 people, including children, media reports said.

Hundreds were injured and were taken to hospital, many in serious condition, they said.