Lightning strikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 297 people and injured 73 across the country from February to September this year, as reported by the Save the Society and Thunderstorm Awareness Forum (SSTAF). –reports Daily Star.
In the past eight months, 152 people were killed by lightning strikes while working in agriculture, according to a media release from SSTAF on Saturday. The highest number of fatalities occurred in May, with 96 deaths, followed by 77 in June and 47 in September, the report noted.
Brahmanbaria, Joypurhat, and Habiganj had the highest number of deaths, with 13 each. Feni reported 12 fatalities, followed by Cox's Bazar and Gaibandha with 10 each.
SSTAF recommended adding lightning strike awareness to textbooks and called for the implementation of a government warning system, awareness seminars and training, the creation of shelter centers near agricultural lands, and free medical care for the injured.
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