Lightning
Lightning kills woman, daughter in Kishoreganj
A 55-year-old woman and her daughter were killed as a thunderbolt struck them at Belonka village in Tarail upazila of the district on Tuesday.
The deceased were identified as Asma Akter, wife of Mujibur Rahman and her daughter Yeasmin Akter, 35,wife of Nurul Amin of the village.
Also read:Lightning strikes kill 2 in Cox’s Bazar
Joynal abedin, officer-in-charge of Tarail Police Station, said a streak of thunderbolt struck them while they were trying to save paddy and husk from rain after sehri.
Later, they were taken to Tarail Upazila Health Complex where doctors declared them dead.
Showers with intense lightning in parts of Bangladesh
Showers with intense lightning flashes accompanied by temporary squally wind is likely at a few places over seven divisions of the country in the next 24 hours commencing 6pm on Thursday.
"Rain or thunder showers with intense lightning flashes accompanied by temporary gusty or squally wind is likely to occur at a few places over Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions and at one or two places over Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Khulna and Chattogram divisions," according to a Met office bulletin.
Also read: Showers likely in parts of Bangladesh
Weather may remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy sky elsewhere over the country.
Meanwhile, a mild heat wave is sweeping over the regions of Rajshahi, Pabna and Chuadanga and it may continue, it added.
Besides, day and night temperature may remain nearly unchanged over the country, reads the bulletin.
Also read: Four divisions, Cumilla region brace for showers
Country’s maximum rainfall was recorded in Sylhet at 18 mm in the last 24 hours.
The trough of westerly low lies over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and adjoining area. Seasonal low lies over South Bay, it said.
Government to build lightning resistant shelters in 23 districts including Haor areas
State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Md Enamur Rahman on Monday said the government plans to build lightning resistant concrete shelters to prevent casualties from lightning strikes in the country.
A project has been taken to establish such shelters in 23 lightning prone districts including the Haor regions, he said.
The state minister was speaking at a seminar on ‘Causes of Lightning & Thunder: Safety Issues and Damage Minimization’ at the city's IEB building.
Also read: 2,800 lost lives in lightning strikes in 10 years: Dr Enamur
“At first 1,000 concrete shelters will be built after every 1 kilometre in Haor areas so that the farmers can immediately take shelters during lightning strikes while working in fields,”
He said it’s not possible to stop lightning but to reduce the death rate from it the government is focusing on three things.
“First one is an early warning system that will alert the people in lightning prone areas 40 minutes in advance before a strike. A total of 723 early warning system devices will be installed on a primary basis,” said Enamur.
Second is the concrete shelters and third is creating mass awareness, he said.
Also read: Panchagarh: 1 killed, 4 injured as lightning strikes tea stall
The initiative only covers the rural areas as people working in open fields or places are more prone to die by lightning strikes, he said.
According to government data, lightning strikes — electric discharges between the atmosphere and the ground — have killed about 2,800 people in the last 11 years in Bangladesh.
Lightning kills 2 in Bandarban
Two members of a family were killed by a lightning strike in Lama Upazila of Bandarban district Monday night.
The deceased are Md Enam (45) and his nephew Md Shahid (18).
Read:3 killed by lightning strike in Jamalpur
Chairman of Faitang Union Parishad Jalal Uddin said Enam and Shahid cultivated paddy in ‘Bengali Para’ of Faitang Union.
They used live in a bamboo house built on a tree to guard their crops .
A streak of lightning struck them there around 11 pm, leaving them dead on the spot.
Read:Panchagarh: 1 killed, 4 injured as lightning strikes tea stall
At the same time, three cows of Basukumar Dey, a resident of Merakhola Hindu Para in Lama Sadar Union of the upazila and one cow of Abdur Rahman, a resident of Merakhola Muslim Para died by the lightning strike, he added.
Officer-in-charge of Lama police station Mohammad Alamgir said the bodies of the deceased were recovered and handed over to their relatives.
Lightning kills two in Kurigram
Two persons were killed and another one sustained injuries after being struck by lightning at Karaibarishal in Chilmari upazila of Kurigram district on Friday afternoon.
The deceased were identified as Jhangir Alam, 30, son of Tamsher Ali, and Al Amin, both residents of the upazila.
Abu Taleb Sarkar, chairman of Ashtamir Char in the upazila, said that lightning struck the three when they were washing rotten jute in a water body in the area around 3 pm.
READ: 2 killed by lightning strike in Manikganj
"While Jhangir and Tamsher died on the spot, Samad sustained injuries and was rushed to a local hospital for treatment," he added.
Lightning in Bangladesh
Lightning strike has turned into one of the deadliest natural disasters in Bangladesh, claiming over 200 lives every year.
According to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, 2,164 people died in lightning strikes in the country from 2011 to 2020.
At least 216 people die every year on an average in lightning strikes, more than by floods, cyclones and other natural calamities.
READ: 2 Rohingyas killed by lightning strike in Cox’s Bazar
Experts say that about 70 percent of the total lightning strikes usually occur between April and June, and advise everyone to move with caution during this time.
Lightning strike kills 17 in Chapainawabganj, injures 11
Seventeen people, including five women, were killed and 11 others injured in a lightning strike at Telikharighat in Shibganj upazila of Chapainawabganj district on Wednesday.
Twelve of the deceased were identified as Toki, 30, Lechan, 40, Saidur, 35, Sajib, 18, Jamila, 60, Sahabul, 30, Manam, 35,Bailey, 35, Shariful,40, Bablu, 25, Mausumi, 25, Tipu, and Sultan, 45.
All of them are from Narayanpur in Chapainawabganj Sadar upazila.
Shibganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Shakib Al Rabbi said the lightning struck a group of people when they had taken shelter under a shed during rains around 12 pm, killing 17 of them.
Read: Two killed in Thakurgaon lighting strike
They met the tragic end of their lives while heading towards Paka union to attend a wedding ceremony.
Among the injured, 10 are currently undergoing treatment at Chapainawabganj Sadar Hospital while one has been referred to Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital.
Confirming the information, Resident Medical Officer of the sadar hospital Dr Nahar said, “The one who has been transferred to RMCH is in critical condition.”
Read: Thunderstorm Lightning Struck Safety Tips: Stay Prepared
Lightning strikes in Bangladesh
Lightning strike has turned into one of the deadliest natural disasters in Bangladesh claiming over 200 lives every year due to the loss of natural defense and lack of precautionary measures.
According to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, 2,164 people died in lightning strikes in the country from 2011 to 2020. At least 216 people die every year on average in lightning strikes, more than by floods, cyclones and other natural calamities.
Experts said about 70 percent of the total lightning strikes usually occur between April and June, and advise everyone to move with caution during this time.
Thunderstorm Lightning Struck Safety Tips: Stay Prepared
Every year more than 150 people die in Bangladesh due to lightning. The number of casualties has also increased this year. Several people were killed in lightning strikes in Sirajganj, Chittagong, Patuakhali, Manikganj, Feni, Madaripur, Noakhali, Munshiganj, and Shariatpur this month (June 2021). Lightning also harms the environment so it’s a comprehensive problem that needs a full-scale approach.
Reasons behind the recent increase in Lightning Struck in Bangladesh
The Save the Society and Thunderstorm Awareness Forum has blamed the abnormal increase in lightning on global warming and a decline in the number of tall trees.
Every degree increase in temperature increases lightning by 10 percent or more. Recently, the upper and lower parts of the dense black clouds are floating as two pools. As a result, the level of electricity flow between them is increasing and lightning is being created. The recent increase in the density of black clouds has resulted in an increase in the number of bolts of lightning in line with rainfall.
Also read: Lightning strikes kill four in Dhaka amid rain
Impacts of Lightning Struck during Thunderstorms
Impact on people
Lightning produces about 10,000 amperes of electricity which releases 50,000 Kelvin heat in milliseconds. That is why if lightning strikes a person directly, his/her body is charred before one sees it coming.
According to the US public health agency CDC, people attacked by lightning suffer from burns, shock, and trauma. In some people, weakness, confusion, skin damage, and even stroke can occur. Lightning also causes heart attacks.
Many people do survive a thunderstorm but none of them can lead a normal life. When lightning enters the brain, its heat and sparks burn the brain cells and render them useless. In the case of survivors, therefore, trauma, mental disorders, personality changes, etc. are observed.
Also read: 9 killed by lightning strikes in Feni, Chattogram, Manikganj, Magura
Ways to survive during Lightning Struck
1) April-June is the busiest period for thunderstorms. Lightning phases usually last for up to 45 minutes. It is advisable to stay at home at this time.
2) If one sees thick black clouds, refrain from going out of the house. Wear rubber shoes in case of emergency.
3) If in a paddy field or playground under the open sky, quickly sit with your head on your toes and your fingers on your ears.
4) As soon as possible to take shelter under the building or concrete tent. Tin sheds must be avoided.
5) If inside the car, keep the body as safe as possible from the metal part of the car. Take shelter under a concrete tent in a quick corner with the car.
6) Refrain from using all kinds of electrical appliances including mobiles, laptops, computers, TVs, refrigerators. If you get a hint of lightning, unplug them beforehand.
7) Refrain from using umbrellas with metal handles. In this case, you can use a plastic or wooden-handled umbrella.
8) If you are in the sea or river at this time, stop fishing and stay under the boat tent.
9) Do not touch the metal faucets, metal railings, pipes, etc. of the house.
10) If there are a few people together in a wide area, each move 50 to 100 feet away.
Read 6 killed by lightning strikes in Feni, Chattogram
Dangerous places for Lightning Struck
1) Open during thunderstorms such as paddy fields, fields, rivers, and high places are the most dangerous. There is a high probability of lightning in a passenger tent or a large tree in a wide-open space.
2) High trees or electricity poles are more likely to be struck by lightning, so it is not safe to be near trees or poles at this time.
3) If at home, don’t stand near the window.
4) If you are on the road, you must avoid frozen water and electricity.
What to do if someone is injured by lightning
Do not touch the injured person immediately. Otherwise, you too may get shocked. Try to bring back breathing with CPR as first aid. Massage the hands and feet continuously. Take him to the nearest hospital as soon as possible.
Read Lightning strikes to kill 3 in Chapainawabganj
The best way to stay safe from Lightning Struck
Since lightning is a sudden natural disaster, there is no alternative but to be prepared for it in advance.
1) Identify the more disaster-prone areas and work to increase public awareness there beforehand. As the death rate is high in remote areas, warn farmers, fishermen, and those who work in the open by providing accurate knowledge about lightning.
2) The best way is to plant enough trees that grow taller quickly. In this case, you can plant more palm and coconut trees. Thus, as a result of afforestation, it will be possible to restore the balance in the weather.
3) Make sure to install lightning rods in every building in the city.
4) It is necessary to build high towers privately as well as in Government. The lightning will flow over the tower. The locality will survive.
Read Lightning strike kills father, son in Sylhet
Steps to take after Lightning Struck
Since the central part of the country is more affected by lightning, the amount of damage to the people of that region is more. All sections of the government and the private sector should come forward to help them. Make sure that the injured receive proper treatment and that the families of the victims receive money and work to support themselves.
Over to you
In order to avoid lightning, one should seek help from God, since in this situation man has nothing to do immediately. Humans are also to blame for this disaster as activities like global warming and declining vegetation are caused by human beings' actions. But improving this situation is not impossible. Everyone needs to work together.
Read Lightning strike kills farmer in Sunamganj
6 killed by lightning strikes in Feni, Chattogram
Six people were killed and two others injured by lightning strikes in Chattogram and Feni districts on Sunday.
In Chattogram, four people including two women were killed and two others injured as thunderbolt struck them in Fatikchhari, Boalkhali and Mirsarai upazilas of the district in the morning.
Read: Lightning strikes kill four in Dhaka amid rain
Lucky Das, 38, wife of Banuswar Das and Bhanu Sheel, 40, wife of Jugendra Sheel of Kanchannagar Dulurpara in Fatikchhari upazila, were killed and two others injured being hit by lightning while they were working at a field during rain around 11 am, said Kanchannagar union parishad member Afsar Uddin.
The injured women identified as Maloti rani Das, 50, wife of Mantosh Dash and Shobha Rani Dey, 45, wife of Bhuban Dey were taken to Abdul Monayem General Hospital.
Besides, Sazzad Hossain, 16, son of Mosharraf Hossain of East Domkhali village in Mirsarai upazila was killed by lightning strike while he was working at a field with his father.
Read:Lightning strikes to kill 3 in Chapainawabganj
Meanwhile, Mohammad Jahangir, 39, a day labourer, was killed by lightning strike in Boalkhali upazila in the morning.
In Feni, two people including a minor boy were killed when a thunderbolt struck them at Alampur village in Sonagazi upazila in the morning.
Read: 6 killed by lightning strikes in Sirajganj, Cumilla
The deceased were identified as Sazeda Akter Sathi, 15, a madrasha student and daughter of Soleman of Alampur village and Al Amin, 6, and son of Mohammad Bahar of Charsahabikari village in the upazila.
A streak of thunderbolt hit them while they went to the Feni River amid rain, said Ishak Khokon, chairman of Bagadana Union.
Lightning strikes to kill 3 in Chapainawabganj
At least three people were killed Friday afternoon, including two of the same family, by lightning strikes in separate places in Chapainawabganj.
The incidents occurred in the afternoon during thunderstorms.
The deceased were identified as Annie Begum, 26, wife of Rana Ali of Panchrashia village of Sadar upazila’s Sundarpur union, her son Nur Mohammad, 6, and Yamin Arafat, 10, son of Abdul Matin of Bakhar Ali village of Charbagdanga union.
Also read: 6 killed by lightning strikes in Sirajganj, Cumilla
Sundarpur Union Parishad Chairman Habibur Rahman, said the mother and son went to collect mangoes near their house during the storm in the afternoon. They died on the spot when lightning struck.
Charbagdanga Union Parishad member Hossain Ali Jhatu said Yamin Arafat was struck by lightning while collecting mangoes in a garden during a storm.
Sadar Upazila Project Implementation Officer Moudud Alam Khan said he was informed of the deaths by local representatives.
Also read: Lightning strikes kill 10 across country, including 6 in Jamalpur
The families would get financial assistance from the government fund, he said.
Lightning strikes claim hundreds of lives in Bangladesh every year. The deaths mostly occur in the warmer period of the year from April to June, as hailstorms occur most frequently during this time.
The Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief in a guideline says lightning usually continues for 30-45 minutes and urged people to stay indoors or take cover during the period.
Lightning strikes kill 10 across country, including 6 in Jamalpur
At least 10 people died after being struck by lightning in Jamalpur, Chapainawabganj and Sylhet on Thursday .
Six of the deaths were reported from Jamalpur, three from Chapainawabganj and one from Sylhet.
In Jamalpur, six people died and five others were injured in lightning strikes in different areas of the Islampur upazila after the storm hit around 5pm.
The deceased were identified as Enamul, 45, Kala Sheikh, 40, Shah Jamal, 45, Bilal, 36, Mofizul Haque, 50 and Jabed Ali, 60.
Islampur Upazila Nirbahi Officer SM Mazhar said all the victims were working in field during rain. The injured have been hospitalised.
Also read: Lightning strikes kill 16 people including 8 in Netrokona
The local administration will provide Tk 20,000 to each to the families of the dead, he said.
Meanwhile, three people, including a child, were killed in separate incidents of lightning strikes in Chapainawabganj.
The deceased were identified as Jalal Uddin, 40, from Uportola village in Mobarakpur union, Rahima Begum, 25, from Goabari Chandpur village and Mashrufa Khatun, 8, from Ajhor village in Kasba UP.
Tohrul Islam said his brother Jalal was struck by lightning while bringing paddy from field in Borogachi area of Bholahat union.
Rahima Begum was struck by lightning when she went out to call her children home during the storm.
Also read: Lightning strike kills 2 in Rajshahi
Nachol Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Selim Reza Khan said Mashrufa died after being struck by lightning when she was collecting mangoes beside her house.
Shibganj upazila’s project implementation officer Ariful Islam said families of the deceased will get financial assistance from the government.
In Goainghat upazila of Sylhet, Babul Mia, 34, died due to lightning strike when he was working in his own field around 8am.
Lightning safety tips
Lightning strikes claim hundreds of lives in Bangladesh every year. The deaths mostly occur in the warmer period of the year from April to June, as hailstorms occur most frequently during this time.
The Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief in a guideline says lightning usually continues for 30-45 minutes and urged people to stay indoors or take cover during the period.
Also read: 6 killed by lightning strikes in Kushtia, Bogura
Installing lightning insulation bars in every building in lightning prone regions is an essential long term safety measure, according to the ministry.
Recommended safety tips while outdoors during lightning include finding shelter immediately, wearing shoes with rubber sole, sitting down on toes, shutting ears while in open field, staying away from each other, avoid using electric instruments, staying away from tall trees, electric poles and mobile towers.
Checking the weather forecast before participating in any outdoor activities is essential to be safe from lightning in the stormy season.