A national workshop on lightning risk reduction on Monday called for strengthened preparedness, faster early warning dissemination and improved coordination among stakeholders to cut fatalities from one of Bangladesh’s deadliest natural hazards.
Although lightning was officially declared a national disaster in 2016, it continues to claim more lives annually than cyclones and floods. Between 2015 and 2024, a total of 3,485 people died in lightning strikes across the country.
BRAC, in collaboration with the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), organized the workshop titled “Lightning Preparedness and Risk Reduction in Bangladesh” at BRAC Centre in Dhaka, where participants reviewed ongoing mitigation efforts, identified gaps and discussed global best practices.
Abu Daud Md Gulam Mustafa, joint secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, said Bangladesh’s high population density leaves farmers, children and women particularly vulnerable. He stressed the need for lightning shelters with arresters in high-risk areas, alongside stronger awareness and precautionary measures.
Md Momenul Islam, director (current charge) of the BMD, said 71 lightning-related deaths were recorded between April 26 and May 2 this year, despite early warnings issued three days in advance.
“Early warning is only effective when it leads to timely action and proper implementation,” he said, calling for better coordination and stronger public awareness on safety during thunderstorms.
Dr Md Liakath Ali, director of BRAC’s Disaster Risk Management Program, said timely and effective dissemination of forecasts remains a major challenge. He stressed the need for accessible warning systems that can reach people several hours in advance.
Dr Muhammad Abul Kalam Mallik of the BMD Storm Warning Centre presented the keynote on lightning vulnerability, forecasting and risk patterns in Bangladesh.
Representatives from the UNDP, Plan International, RIMES and BRAC also shared insights on ongoing initiatives and challenges in improving lightning preparedness and response.
The workshop concluded with a panel discussion highlighting gaps in forecasting accuracy, last-mile warning delivery and the need for stronger community-level preparedness to reduce deaths.