Lightning strikes claim 74 lives in 38 days

A total of 74 people, including 35 farmers, were killed by lightning strikes in the last 38 days across the country, according to the voluntary organisation Save the Society and Thunderstorm Awareness Forum (SSTF).

At least 31 people, 20 male and 11 female, were killed by lightning strikes in April, said the SSTF report.

This month, 43 people were killed by lightning till May 8. Of them, 34 were male and nine were female, reports UNB.

In one single day alone this month, 11 people were killed and nine others injured by lightning strikes, according to the report of the SSTF research cell published on Thursday.

Besides, the members of the organisation also highlighted how farmers can keep themselves safe in case of lightning.

Members of the organisation recently visited Manikganj’s Singair, Munshiganj’s Sirajdikhan, Dhaka’s Nawabganj, and Keraniganj upazila, and they conducted lightning awareness activities among farmers working in the field after making groups of 500 farmers each.

Rashim Molla, general secretary of the SSTF, requested the government to build shelters in the fields to save farmers from lightning strikes.

It also urged the government to conduct a lightning awareness programme from March to June.

The organisation also provided some advice to the farmers. These are:

• To take shelter in a safe place as soon as possible after seeing dark clouds in the sky while working. 
• To refrain from taking shelter under trees during rain.
• To wear shoes while working under the open sky.
• Lie down while working in the field during lightning strikes

Dr Kabirul Bashar, president of the forum, said they have identified two reasons behind the increase in lightning strikes: increasing impact of global warming and cutting down trees in rural areas of Bangladesh, especially tall trees in the fields.

Without trees, lightning strikes people in the field or open spaces. Most people believe that it is better to take shelter under trees during storms, but it is wrong, he said, adding, that people have to take shelter in houses or establishments.

The government can take initiatives to set up lightning arresters in the haor region and open areas, he added.