The Bangladeshi government announced on Monday (27th) that at least 14 people were killed by lightning strikes during the seasonal storms that swept across the country.
According to Reuters, in recent days, severe thunderstorms have hit various regions of Bangladesh, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and intense lightning, resulting in dozens of casualties.
Local authorities have stated that the majority of the victims were farmers working in the fields and laborers working in open areas. Many of the injured have been rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment, with some in critical condition.
Every year, hundreds of people in Bangladesh die due to lightning strikes. In 2016, the country classified lightning strikes as a natural disaster. In that year, over 200 people died from lightning strikes in May alone, with the highest single-day death toll reaching 82 people.
Experts have pointed out that the increase in fatal lightning incidents is linked to deforestation. With the disappearance of tall trees that used to divert lightning away from human settlements, people are losing a barrier against natural disasters.
During the period from April to June before the monsoon arrives, the risk of lightning accidents increases significantly due to the unpredictable weather changes caused by rising temperatures and humidity.