Take precaution against the hazardous lightning

Increased number of deaths by lightning in recent days has become a great concern for the nation. The extremity of the heat of the summer that usually occurs in the month of April is perhaps gone. Now is the time of the blowing of Nor’wester, popularly known as Kal-Baishakhi that can batter both the agricultural fields as well as fruits gardens. This apart, during this time many people die because of lightning that accompanies the seasonal hails and thunderstorms.
After the heat, scattered rain in the past few days has cooled the atmosphere now, but nine people got killed and three others were injured by lightning strikes in the wetlands of Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, and Sylhet districts in just one day. Of these nine people, six died and two were injured while harvesting paddy in the wetlands of three Sunamganj upazilas while two others were killed in separate lightning strikes in Kamalganj Upazila and Sreemaganl’s Lalbagh Hail Haor.
Lightning always kills people, but in recent years, the number of deaths by this has become staggering. Why is this increase? Apart from climate change, experts suggest that installation of different types of electricity-sensitive poles including towers of mobile operators has given Lightning
Since we do not know when a lightning can strike, it is more necessary to become aware at the individual level to save oneself. When at this season any hint of rain and thunderstorm such as darkening of clouds appears in the sky, people must take shelter in closed spaces including houses. People should specially give attention to the idea of planting tall palm and other trees inside the farmlands which was promoted by Bangladesh scientists about a decade ago. Scientists are of the opinion that this measure can reduce lightning deaths and injuries.
Since farmers who become the most victims by lightning in terms of number have attached little importance to this natural solution, the government needs to make them aware of this especially through its Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE).