On an average, 320 people die every year by lightning in our country. That is more than any other country in the world. According to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, 2164 people had died by lightning in the country from 2011 to 2020.
Publicity and Publication secretary of Faridpur Environment Development Forum Ariful Islam presented an article on lightning prevention in a meeting recently.
Experts say that the incidents of death by lightning is increasing due to changing weather patterns and felling of large trees.
Global temperature rises due to climate change seems to be the first and foremost cause of lightning in Bangladesh. However, many climate scientists disagree.
This finding came out in a discussion on prevention of lightning held at a city hotel recently under the initiative of Faridpur Environment Development Forum.
Faridpur Environment Directorate Deputy Director Syed Anwar discussed as the main speaker in the meeting.
Under the chairmanship of Kazi Sirajul Islam, President of Environment Development Forum, and under the Direction of General Secretary Moniruzzaman, city social services officer SM Sujauddin Rased, executive director of Pathkali organisation, Md. Bilayet Hossain, legal adviser of Environment Development Forum, Adv. Golam Rabbani Ratan, also took part in discussion.
Meteorologist wing commander Momenul Islam (retd.) said, more lightning occurs between April and June. Lightning is associated with deforestation. Global warming can cause the atmosphere to hold more water vapor, so more thunderstorms can form. Deforestation increases the temperature. This is because greenhouses use carbon dioxide to produce food for plants.
If you stay on the roof of the house or in a high place, you should quickly get down from there and go to a safe place. If you see dark clouds (storm clouds) during the season, you should be careful and take shelter in a safe place before the rain starts.
It is safer to take shelter in a dry house. However, if the fence is high, then there should be a lightning protection system. It is better not to be near the window during lightning.
Wearing rubber sandals on feet and avoiding contact with water and any metal surfaces like stair or balcony railings, water taps etc.
Keep away from contact with any electrical conductors. It is not safe to be in ponds or water bodies. In case of lightning, it is better to disconnect home electronics that have electrical connection or disconnection. Even if they are closed, touching should be avoided.
Staying in the car is safe in case of a lightning strike while in the car. But remember to avoid contact with any metal parts of the car.
In order to reduce the damage caused by lightning, tall trees such as palm trees should be planted in large numbers in the field. Treatment of persons injured by lightning is the same as for those injured by electric shock. Effective measures should be taken to quickly remove electrical charges from the body.
Massage the body. Arrangements should be made to take the injured person to the medical center without being disturbed by the abnormal behaviour.
Advisory committee member Zillur Rahman Rahat, Sabina Lucy, Vice President Afsar Hossain, Alea Begum, Manwara Begum, Organizing Secretary Mohammad Lokman Hossain, Associate Organizing Secretary Tanya Islam, Treasurer ABM Sahin, Office Secretary Md Baten, Women Affairs Secretary Tamanna Mehbooba Chumki were present. Health Affairs Secretary Md. Parvez, Joint Secretary Asaduzzaman Bipul, Sports Secretary Mofizur Rahman and other members, were present.
After the discussion meeting, iftar party was held.