Lightning-related casualties in Bangladesh have been steadily rising. In the last eight months (February-September) of this year alone, 297 people have died and 73 others have been injured due to thunderbolt strikes across the country.
Among the victims, 242 were men and 55 women. The highest number of fatalities occurred in May, according to data released by the social voluntary organization, Save the Society and Thunderstorm Awareness Forum (SSTF), at a press conference held at their office at Topkhana Road in the city on Saturday.
The organization'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 travelling on empty roads, 27 at home, three while lifting stones, 14 children while playing in their courtyards, and one individual inside a car.
