Dhaka: Disaster Management and Relief Adviser Faruk E Azam Bir Pratik has announced the government's focus on implementing an 'early warning system' to enhance public safety during lightning occurrences. 'Lightning occurs naturally. We are trying to inform the people through an early warning system to let them know when and where thunderbolts will strike,' he told BSS.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the adviser emphasized that the increasing number of fatalities and injuries among impoverished communities due to lightning is a critical concern. He suggested that victims of lightning strikes should receive compensation. The government is exploring ways to inform farmers and the general public about impending lightning through mobile notifications, as traditional media like radios and TVs are no longer commonly used in fields.
In light of rising mortality rates, the government declared lightning a 'disaster' in 2015. The Disaster Management and Relief Ministry tasked the Department of Meteorology of Dhaka University with a feasibility study to protect people, animals, and infrastructure from lightning hazards. The study identified 15 districts, including Netrokono, Kishoreganj, and Rajshahi, as highly vulnerable to lightning.
Adviser Faruk E Azam noted that the previous government invested in 'lightning rods and arresters' in these districts. However, the current administration has discontinued this approach, considering it ineffective given Bangladesh's geographical context. Instead, the focus is shifting towards public awareness.
The government is leveraging technology to predict lightning strikes two to four hours in advance. Several discussions with experts have taken place in the ministry to finalize strategies, with a priority decision expected soon.