This is a matter of concern because the incidents of lightning strikes in the country are increasing due to rising temperature and climate variability caused by global warming and it is taking a heavy toll on human lives in recent years. We have noticed that the lightning strike has turned into one of the deadliest natural disasters in our country since 1981.
Every year there is loss of lives as people lack awareness of lightning strike and precautionary measures as well. According to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, at least 216 people die every year on average in lightning strikes -- more than from floods, cyclones and other natural calamities.
But, in the last eight months (February-September) of this year alone, 297 people have died and 73 others have been injured due to lightning strikes across the country, a study says. According to the study, lightning strikes claimed one life in February, nine in March, 31 in April, 96 in May, 77 in June, 19 in July, 17 in August, and 47 in September.
Most of the victims were engaged in agricultural activities at the time of the strikes. Over the past eight months, 152 farmers lost their lives while working in fields, particularly during paddy harvesting, grass cutting, and tending to cattle. Among them, 18 died while herding cows.
Additionally, 52 fishermen were killed while at sea, 11 people while picking mangoes, 15 while traveling on empty roads, 27 while at home, three while lifting stones, 14 children while playing in their courtyards, and one individual while in a car. The entire Dhaka and Sylhet divisions, Bogura, Pabna, Sirajganj, Cumilla and Jashore are prone to thunderbolt strikes, and it mainly hit the areas in the afternoon, evening and morning. About 70 percent of the total lightning strikes usually occur between April and June.
Lightning strike has turned into one
of the deadliest
natural
disasters in our country
since 1981
Though the country experiences lightning strikes mainly during pre-monsoon period (April-May), climate change is contributing to its increased intensity. Rising temperature, erratic rainfall and abnormal behaviour of weather are contributing to the recurrence of thunderbolt strikes.
More than 3275 people across the country have died after being struck by lightning in the last decade, media reports say. Most of the dead were villagers, farmers and fishermen who were killed. Most of those killed by lightning strikes were working in open fields or fishing.
Bangladesh is prone to electrical storms but this year they have been particularly severe. A general rise in temperatures and deforestation may be factors. About 90% of the victims were men. The death toll from lightning strikes is much higher than that from cyclones and tidal surges, landslides and floods.
Temperature in the country marked a rise this year which is the main cause for increased incidents of lightining. People cannot resist thunderstorms, but minimise their losses by creating lightning awareness. Awareness programs should be launched in every corner of the country alongside all educational institutions. The government should include the subject of thunderstorm awareness in textbooks, with an aim to be studied at each and every educational institution.
However, people should not get panicked but keep in mind the appropriate steps one needs to take during lightning strikes and they need to check the weather forecast before participating in outdoor activities. All must keep away from tall trees, electric pillars and towers, not to touch metals and corrugated iron and take shelter under a concrete ceiling during thunderbolts. The authorities concerned will have to make people aware of lightning and strengthen warning systems and networks to send warning messages to people to bring down the casualty rate caused by thunderbolt strikes. The Disaster Management Ministry and the Meteorological Department should carry out a vigorous campaign to make people aware of lightning preparedness.
