Lightning strike has turned into one of the deadliest natural disasters in our country Bangladesh claiming over 200 lives every year due to lack of precautionary measures. Reportedly, at least eight people were killed and two others injured in separate incidents of storm and lightning strike in Sunamganj and Habiganj on Thursday. It needs to be mentioned that nearly 120 people were killed in the last two and a half months since March last.
According to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, 2,164 people died in lightning strikes in the country from 2011 to 2020. Experts opine that about 70 per cent of the total lightning strikes usually occur between April and June.
We cannot resist thunderstorms but minimise our losses by creating awareness. In this regard, awareness building campaign should be launched in each and every educational institution.
We cannot resist thunderstorms but
minimise our losses
by creating awareness
The incidents of lightning strikes in the country are increasing due to rising temperature and climate variability caused by global warming. Hence, we all should move with caution during the pre-monsoon period (April-May). The government should include a chapter on thunderstorm awareness in textbooks.
However, we should not get panicked. Rather we should check the weather forecast before going outdoor. We should stay away from tall trees and take shelter under concrete ceiling during thunderbolts.
The government should take necessary steps to make people aware of lightning and strengthen warning systems and network to reach the warning messages to people for bringing down the casualty rate caused by thunderbolt strikes.
The Disaster Management Ministry and the Meteorological Department should carry out a vigorous campaign to make people aware of lightning preparedness. We cannot stop lighting strikes, but we can save lives by informing people what they should do during lighting.