5 farmers killed in lightning strikes in Sunamganj, Habiganj

Five farmers were killed and at least four others injured in separate lightning strikes in the haor areas of Habiganj and Sunamganj districts this afternoon (27 April), according to officials.

The incidents occurred while the victims were harvesting paddy during rainfall accompanied by lightning.

In Habiganj, two individuals – Maksud Mia, 35, of Noagaon village under Nabiganj upazila, son of Sabar Ullah, and Abdul Salam, 60, of Jatukarnapara area under Baniachang upazila, son of Abdul Gafur – were killed in lightning strikes.

Another farmer, Samruj Mia, 50, of Garpura village in Baniachang, was injured in the same incident.

According to local sources, Maksud Mia died after being struck by lightning while harvesting paddy at Gardar Haor, while in a separate incident in Baniachang, Abdul Salam was killed while returning home.

Baniachang Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mahmuda Begum Sathi confirmed the incidents.

Nabiganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Ruhul Amin said the family of the deceased Maksud Mia is impoverished and necessary assistance would be provided.

Meanwhile, in Sunamganj Sadar upazila, three more farmers were killed in separate lightning incidents.

The deceased were identified as Jamir Uddin, 38, of Abdullahpur village under Mollapara union; Jamir Hossain, 40, of Baitakhali village under Gourarang union; and another unidentified farmer.

Locals said Jamir Uddin was struck by lightning while harvesting paddy at Dekhar Haor and later died at the hospital, while Jamir Hossain and another farmer also died after being struck in separate incidents.

Dr Shafiqul Rahman of Sunamganj Sadar Hospital confirmed that three people died from lightning strikes.

He said, "While two of the victims were identified, the identity of the third could not be immediately confirmed."

Dr Rahman added that three others were also injured in the incidents.