Lightning strike fatalities across the country have risen compared to previous years, with 72 deaths reported nationwide in just the first four months of the current year. The majority of the victims were farmers.
A voluntary social organization, Save the Society and Thunderstorm Awareness Forum (SSTAF), revealed the figures in a press release on Saturday.
According to the statement, farmers remain the most vulnerable group to lightning-related deaths. In the latest incident on April 26, a total of 14 people were killed in separate lightning strikes.
In response to the growing number of casualties, the organisation has stressed the urgent need to raise awareness among farmers and has issued a set of safety guidelines aimed at reducing risks.
SSTAF also organized a lightning safety awareness campaign on Friday in the Arial Beel area of Munshiganj. More than 100 farmers attended the programme, where they were trained on precautionary measures and practical techniques to stay safe during thunderstorms.
The organisation further highlighted three key safety recommendations specifically for farmers to help minimize lightning-related fatalities.
