Lightning strikes are commonplace during thundershowers and kill several hundred people -- mostly farmers working under the open sky -- every year in Bangladesh.
In the last couple of days, nearly a dozen people were killed in lightning strikes during storms (Nor'westers or Kal Boishakhi) and thundershowers across the country as the heatwave that battered the country since April 2 has started to wane.
Scientists say there is a correlation between lightning strikes and temperature. From April-July, the temperature remains humid and warm, leading to an increase in such incidents. These are the most powerful in the afternoon.
According to Bangladesh Meteorological Department, people can stay safe from lightning strikes by following some tips.
They are:
1. Take shelter under a nearby concrete house. If there is frequent lightning, do not stay in any open or on a high place.
2. Stay away from trees and electric poles as there is a high possibility of lightning strikes on high trees or electric poles. The passenger sheds are also unsafe.
3. Do not stay close to windows at home when there is lightning. Keep the windows closed and stay within the house.
4. Avoid metallic objects. Do not touch metal, stair railing, metal pipes etc during lightning. Do not even touch landline telephones; many people get injured that way.
5. Avoid touching all connected electric appliances, including TV and fridge. Do not touch TVs, refrigerators, etc. If lightning starts, disconnect all plugs from electric lines.
6. If you are in a car during lightning, try to return home as fast as possible. If there is heavy thunderstorms and rain, take the car under any shed. Touching the windowpanes can be dangerous at that time.
7. Waterlogging is very common in the rainy season and the logged water can be electrified by the snapped electric line. So, it is better to stay home during lightning.
8. Walking barefoot or using wet leather shoes during lightning is very dangerous. Rubber gumboot will be the safest thing.
9. Remain alert on the road during lightning. Avoid the spots where the tendency of lightning is high. If someone gets injured, try to take them to a hospital quickly.
