Bangladesh Faces Alarming Surge in Lightning Strikes: What You Need to Know

Bangladesh faces a severe lightning threat, with over 3.3 million strikes yearly. This has made the country the leader in lightning-related deaths in South Asia. A study by the Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES) found that for every 1,000 square kilometers in Bangladesh, the death rate from lightning is 1.21, higher than India and Nepal.

This year alone, lightning has already killed 270 people in Bangladesh, while last year, the number was 322. The deadliest year on record was 2020, with 427 fatalities. Lightning was officially recognized as a disaster in 2016, highlighting the need for awareness and safety.

“When thunder roars, get indoors,” reminds Khan Md Golam Rabbani from RIMES, echoing safety messages shared on International Lightning Safety Day. At a recent gathering of over 350 experts and officials, discussions focused on improving lightning forecasts and safety measures.

April through June sees the highest number of strikes in Bangladesh, with May being particularly dangerous. Jamalganj, in the Sunamganj district, is the most affected area, experiencing an average of 103 strikes per square kilometer each year. In contrast, southern districts like Jhalokathi and Pirojpur see significantly fewer strikes.

Meteorologist Muhammad Abul Kalam Mallik explains that the northeastern haor region, with its large water bodies and geographical conditions, creates ideal conditions for lightning. After analyzing 13 years of data, RIMES has identified a 10% increase in lightning frequency, consistent with global trends showing temperature rises contribute to more strikes.

The world recently surpassed a 1.5°C rise in temperature above pre-industrial levels for the first time, making this trend even more alarming.

Lightning can deliver staggering voltage—up to 300 million volts—and experts are working on better forecasting methods. Since April 2023, Bangladesh has implemented an advanced system to predict strikes one to six hours in advance. Nonetheless, there’s still a push for faster dissemination of warnings.

Many experts believe mobile operators should play a role in spreading lightning alerts to communities. This could significantly improve safety for those most at risk.

In summary, awareness and timely forecasts are crucial in reducing risks associated with lightning strikes. Coupling technology with community outreach can pave the way for better disaster management.

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