Staff Reporter :
The death toll from lightning is increasing at an alarming rate in the country.
In the four months from March to June this year, 177 people were killed in lightning strikes. At least 47 people were injured at the same time.
Among the deceased, 149 were males and 28 females. According to survey, most of the victims of lightning strikes were farmers who died while working in the field.
Sirajganj has been identified as a new hotspot for casualties in lightning strikes.
Besides, the death toll in Chapainawabganj, Jamalapur, Netrokona and Chittagong has increased.
The information was presented at a press conference organized by the social organization Save the Society and Thunderstorm Awareness Forum-SSTAF in the capital on Friday.
The organisation conducted this study by compiling information collected from different prints, electronic and online media as well as from their own field workers.
The organisation’s President Prof Dr Kabirul Bashar said, “We have changed our environment by wrongdoings – we cut trees like palm trees and betel-nut trees which work as savior from the lightning.”
“Besides, incidents of lightning strikes have been increased manifold in the country due to the global warming,” he added.
At the press conference, the organization gave some suggestions:
15 minutes before the thunderstorm, the Meteorological Department can know in which areas there will be thunderstorms. Mobile users in the area can be alerted by SMS.
Although lightning has been declared a natural disaster, the allocation for dealing with it is low. In order to save people’s lives, allocation in this sector should be increased.
Shelters should be constructed in fields, haors and vacant agricultural areas. So that farmers and workers can take shelter there during lightning.
In case of import from abroad, all products of Thunder Protection System should be waived.
Official notification should be issued to announce the installation of lightning insulation from house to house.
SSTAF Secretary Md Rashim Mollah, Chief Executive (Research Cell) Abdul Alim, Vice President Emdad Hossain Mia, Executive Director Rana Bhuiyan, Noor Alam Jiku and others were present at the event.
