297 killed by lightning strikes in 8 months: Survey

Lightning-related casualties have been on the rise in Bangladesh, with 297 deaths and 73 injuries reported in just the past eight months (February-September) of this year.

According to data from Save the Society and Thunderstorm Awareness Forum (SSTF), a social voluntary organisation, presented at a press conference today (5 October) at their office on Dhaka's Topkhana Road, 242 men and 55 women were among the lightning casualties. The highest number of deaths occurred in May.

The organisation's survey revealed that 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.

Brahmanbaria reported the highest number of deaths, with 13 victims, followed by Feni with 12, Cox's Bazar with 10, and Jaipurhat, Habiganj, and Gaibandha, each recording between 10 and 13 fatalities.

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.

Md Rashim Mollah, General Secretary of SSTF, Abdul Alim, Head of the Research Cell, Mostak Ahmed, Joint General Secretary, and Advocate Farooq Hossain, Legal Advisor were present at the press conference, among others.