A teenager was killed by lightning strike on Saturday afternoon in Chandpur.
Besides, a man died by falling from a tree in the district on the same day in a separate incident.
The deceased were identified as Saira Binte Sharifa (14) and AH Hakim (56).
According to locals, Saira Binte Sharifa, daughter of Safiq Mollah was hit by lightning near her residence at Barakul Union of Hajiganj Upazila at around 3 pm.
After being rushed to Hajiganj Upazila Health Complex, Dr. Shamsul Arefin the health personnel in charge of the emergency unit declared her dead.
The Officer-in Charge of Hajiganj Police Station Harunur Rashid confirmed the information to UNB.
Meanwhile, a man named AH Hakim (56) went to pick coconuts from a tree in Kherudia village of Bishnupur union of Chandpur Sadar upazila on Saturday.
Unfortunately, he was wounded almost fatally after falling from the top of the tree at around 11 am .
When he was rescued and taken to Chandpur Government General Hospital, the duty doctor declared him dead.
Selim Pradhania, uncle of the deceased, confirmed the information to UNB.
Deadlier than floods and cyclones
Lightning strike has turned into one of the deadliest natural disasters in Bangladesh claiming over 200 lives every year due to the loss of natural defense and lack of precautionary measures, experts say.
They blame deforestation, worsening air pollution and global warming, climate variability, and the growing use of mobile and other technological devices for the increase in the frequency of lightning strikes.
According to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, 2,164 people died in lightning strikes in the country from 2011 to 2020. At least 216 people die every year on average in lightning strikes, more than by floods, cyclones and other natural calamities.
The experts said about 70 percent of the total lightning strikes usually occur between April and June, and advise everyone to move with caution during this time.
Causes behind
Prof Ainun Nishat, a noted climate change researcher, said it seems the frequency of lightning strikes has increased in Bangladesh due to the rise in temperature caused by climate change. “But data relating to lightning strikes are not collected scientifically in our country. We should take steps for collecting solid data and carry out scientific studies in this regard.”
He said the overall temperature in the world is growing gradually and so far around one degree has already increased. “The growing temperature due to climate change is causing more water evaporation from the land and ocean. It’s increasing black clouds with potential lightning storms.”
Rashim Molla said climate change, decrease in tall trees, increase in rain clouds, random set-up of mobile towers and increase in temperature across the globe can be the main factors behind the unusual rise in thunderstorms.
Besides, Rashim said, a one-degree rise in temperature can cause the chances of thunderstorms to rise by 10 percent.
Gawher Nayeem Wahra, Member Secretary of Disaster Forum, said the main reason behind the increase in lightning strikes is the lack of trees. “Thunderbolts attack the tallest humans in a field or open space without trees.”
“People’s knowledge on earthing is low. Old houses that had earthing are gone now along with trees,” he observed.
Gawher said many people die on the spot after being hit by lightning strikes while many injured slowly die as there is no treatment for lightning burns.
Source: United News of Bangladesh