74 killed in lightning strike in 38 days: Report

The report of SSTF research cell said in the current month, 11 people died and nine people were injured by lightning strikes in one day alone.
 
Besides, the members of the organisation also highlighted how farmers can keep themselves safe in case of lightning.
 
Members of the organisation recently visited Manikganj’s Singair, Munshiganj’s Sirajdikhan, Dhaka’s Nawabganj and Keraniganj upazila and conducted lightning awareness activities among farmers working in the field after making groups of 500 farmers each.
   
Rashim Molla, general secretary of SSTF, requested the government to build shelters in the fields to save farmers from lightning strikes.
   
It also urged the government to conduct a lightning awareness programme for four months from March to June.
 
 Dr Kabirul Bashar, president of the forum, said they have identified two reasons behind the increase in lightning strikes: increasing impact of global warming and cutting down trees in rural areas of Bangladesh, especially tall trees in the fields.
 
 
Without trees, lightning strikes people in the field or in open spaces. Most people believe that it is better to take shelter under trees during storms, but it is wrong, he said, adding, people have to take shelter in houses or establishments.
 
 
NY