lightning strike
Seeing elder brother’s body, man dies in Chandpur
A 24-year-old man died soon after he learned about death of his elder brother in a lightning strike at Uttar Kachiyara area in Faridganj of Chandpur on Wednesday morning.
The elder brother Tariqul Islam Rubel, 26, was struck by lightning inside his fish farm, locals said.
Also read:Chandpur: Woman falls off bike as burqa gets stuck in wheel, dies
His younger brother Sohel along with locals went to the spot to rescue Rubel. However, seeing his elder brother's body, Sohel suddenly collapsed on the ground.
Later, the two were rushed to Faridganj Health Complex where the on-duty doctor declared the siblings dead around 9am, said Md Mozammel Hossain, physician of the health complex.
Mohammad Shahid Hossain, officer-in-charge (OC) of Faridganj police station, said the bodies were handed over to police.
Also read: Trader's beheaded body found in Chandpur
Sohel’s body was handed over to his family as the local people's representative and his relatives confirmed his death as natural, he said.
However, Rubel’s body was sent to Chandpur Sadar Hospital morgue for an autopsy, the OC added.
Schoolboy killed by lightning strike during nor’wester in Sherpur
A 15-year-old schoolboy was killed as a thunderbolt struck at Jhinaigati upazila in Sherpur on Friday.
The deceased was identified as Sagor Mia, of Surihara village of the upazila. He was a Class VI student of Ahmednagar High School.
Read: Lightning kills woman, daughter in Kishoreganj
Monirul Alam Bhuiyan, officer-in-charge (OC) of Jhenaigati police station, said a streak of thunderbolt struck while he was fishing on a beel of the village during the rain around 12pm.
Later, he was rushed to the Upazila Health Complex where the doctor declared him dead, said the OC.
Nor’wester, lightning strike kills 5 in Sunamganj
Five people, including a woman and her two children, were killed during a Nor'wester storm in Sunamganj early Thursday.
The deceased were identified as Moushumi Begum, 35, her daughter Mahima Begum, 4, and her one-year-old son Hossain Ahmed, of Jagannathpur upazila; Mukul Khan, 50, and his son Masud Khan, 7, of Shalla upazila.
Also read: Government to build lightning resistant shelters in 23 districts including Haor areas
In Jagannathpur, Moushumi and her two children were crushed under two uprooted trees as the trees fell on their house around 5am due to the storm.
Later, they were rushed to Upazila Health Complex where the doctor declared the trio dead, said Mizanur Rahman, officer-in-charge (OC) of Jagannathpur police station.
The bodies were sent to Sunamganj Sadar Hospital morgue for autopsy, he added.
Also read: 2,800 lost lives in lightning strikes in 10 years: Dr Enamur
Meanwhile, in Shalla upazila, a streak of lightning struck Mukul, his son Masud, Rimon, 11, and his brother-in-law's son Tanvir Hossain, 7, while they were working in a wetland in Nasirpur Village around 7am, leaving Mukul and Masud dead on spot.
Rimon and Tanvir were sent to Ajmiriganj Upazila Health Complex in Habiganj for treatment, said Aminul Islam, officer-in-charge (OC) of Shalla police station.
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.
3 killed by lightning strike in Jamalpur
Three people in Jamalpur’s Islampur upazila were killed by lightning strike.on Sunday afternoon
The incident occurred at around 3 pm in the Kandarchar village of the upazila.
Read: Panchagarh: 1 killed, 4 injured as lightning strikes tea stall
The deceased were identified as Sundar Ali Sarder, 65, son of Bhola Sarder; his grandson Rafiq Sarder, 14, and Mosharraf Hossain, 25, son of Mofazzal Hossain, all from Kandarchar.
It was learned that they were working in the field when they were struck by a thunderbolt, and Sundar Ali died on the spot.
Read:Lightning kills two in Kurigram
Critically injured Rafiq died at Kandarchar Hospital Complex, and Mosharraf was referred to Jamalpur Sadar Hospital but died on the way there, according to the OC of Islampur Police Station Mazedur Rahman.
2 killed by lightning strike in Manikganj
Two people were killed when a thunderbolt struck them at Shibpur Kalindi Chak in Singair upazila of Manikganj district on Saturday.
The deceased were identified as Shahin Mia, 42, and Rubel Hossain, 40, of the upazila.
Sheikh Mohammad Abu Hanif, officer-in-charge of Singair Police Station, said Shahin and Rubel died on the spot when a streak of thunderbolt struck them while cutting grass on their field, leaving them dead on the spot.
Also read: Lightning strikes kill four in Dhaka amid rain
Lightning strike in Bangladesh
Lightning strike has turned out to be one of the deadliest natural disasters in Bangladesh claiming over 200 lives every year due to the loss of natural defence 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.
Also read: Lightning strikes to kill 3 in Chapainawabganj
Experts said about 70 percent of the total lightning strikes usually occur between April and June, and advised everyone to move with caution during this time.
2 Rohingyas killed by lightning strike in Cox’s Bazar
Two Rohingyas were killed and three others injured in a lightning strike at Ukhia in Cox's Bazar.
Mohammad Harej, 35, and Nazimul Hasan, 25, were killed in the lighting strike while they were repairing their father-in-law’s house at their nearby camp in the morning, said Mohammad Shamsuddouza Nayan, Additional Refugee, Relief and Repatriation Commissioner.
Read: Lightning strike kills 17 in Chapainawabganj, injures 11
The injured are being treated at a field hospital, he added.
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.
Lightning strike turning into deadliest disaster in Bangladesh: Experts
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, say experts.
They blame deforestation, worsening air pollution and global warming, climate variability, and the growing use of mobile and other technological devices for the increase in the frequency of lightning strikes.
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.
Read: Thunderstorm Lightning Struck Safety Tips: Stay Prepared
The 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.
Farmers the worst victims
Contacted, Md Rashim Molla, Secretary-General of Save the Society and Thunderstorm Awareness Forum said, at least 177 people, including 122 farmers, were killed and 47 others injured, by lightning strikes across the country in between March 31 and June 7 this year as per their recent study.
The casualties were higher in Sunamganj, Netrokona, Kishoreganj and Gaibandha districts over the last one and a half months. “Most of those killed by lightning strikes were working in open fields or fishing. About 90% of the victims were men.”
He said lightning has now turned into the deadliest natural disaster in the country. “The death toll from lightning strikes is much higher than that of cyclones and tidal surges, landslides and floods.”
Rashim said people in rural areas, croplands or playground and open spaces are mainly falling victims to lightning strikes for lack of protection.
Causes behind
Prof Ainun Nishat, a noted climate change researcher, said it seems the frequency of lightning strikes has increased in Bangladesh due to the rise in temperature caused by climate change. “But data relating to lightning strikes are not collected scientifically in our country. We should take steps for collecting solid data and carry out scientific studies in this regard.”
He said the overall temperature in the world is growing gradually and so far around one degree has already increased. “The growing temperature due to climate change is causing more water evaporation from the land and ocean. It’s increasing black clouds with potential lightning storms.”
Read: 3 killed by lightning strike in Magura, Madaripur, Khulna
Rashim Molla said climate change, decrease in tall trees, increase in rain clouds, random set-up of mobile towers and increase in temperature across the globe can be the main factors behind the unusual rise in thunderstorms.
Besides, Rashim said, a one-degree rise in temperature can cause the chances of thunderstorms to rise by 10 percent.
Gawher Nayeem Wahra, Member Secretary of Disaster Forum, said the main reason behind the increase in lightning strikes is the lack of trees. “Thunderbolts attack the tallest humans in a field or open space without trees.”
“People's knowledge on earthing is low. Old houses that had earthing are gone now along with trees,” he observed.
Gawher said many people die on the spot after being hit by lightning strikes while many injured slowly die as there is no treatment for lightning burns.
What’s the solution?
Ainun Nishat said the hotspots for the lightning strikes should be identified properly through scientific studies and effective steps need to be taken to protect people there. “People should be made aware that they shouldn’t be there in the open field when back clouds gather in the sky.”
He said the government has taken a step for planting palm trees to lessen the casualties, but it takes around 20 years to raise such a tree.
Read: Plant more trees for greener future: Hasina
Besides, the expert said, the Disaster Management Bureau has taken a step to install poles or lightning arresters in the fields across the country. “It’s a good initiative.”
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