Call to scale up lightning forecast system, integrate safety in schools

NN Online:

Lightning strikes claim nearly 350 lives each year in Bangladesh, with northeastern districts like Sunamganj, Netrokona, and Sylhet facing the highest risk, experts revealed at a seminar marking the country’s first International Lightning Safety Day.

Speaking at the event held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center, weather expert Khan Mohammad Golam Rabbani of RIMES said, “Bangladesh experiences approximately 3.36 million lightning strikes annually, with incidents rising by 10% in recent years, particularly during April and May.”

The seminar, organized by RIMES and the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) under the ECHO-funded SUFAL II project, aimed to raise awareness and promote life-saving early warning systems. The theme—“When Thunder Roars, Get Indoors”—emphasized behavior change and safety.

Disaster Management Secretary Mostafizur Rahman announced that the government is working to expand the Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP) into a full-fledged department, responsible for all disaster preparedness, including lightning. “Trained volunteers will soon handle multiple disaster types across the country,” he added.

A lightning safety brochure was also launched, outlining essential precautions. Key tips included: stay indoors when thunder is heard, avoid open fields, water bodies, and trees, and refrain from using umbrellas or taking shelter under metal structures. Unsafe places during lightning also include open tents, metal sheds, and elevated ground.

The event concluded with a call to institutionalize lightning safety education in school curricula and scale up the Lightning Nowcasting System, which provides 1–6 hour early forecasts.

Panelists stressed that awareness, accurate warnings, and youth engagement are crucial to reduce deaths. The landmark observance marks a bold step toward building a lightning-resilient Bangladesh.