Desk Report , DHAKA – A series of lightning strikes during seasonal Nor’wester storms claimed at least 12 lives and left 12 others injured across six districts in Bangladesh on Saturday.
The highest number of casualties was reported in Sunamganj, where five people died in separate incidents while working in the haors (wetlands).
Sunamganj Hit Hardest
Tragedy struck Sunamganj’s Dharmapasha, Tahirpur, Jamalganj, and Dirai upazilas on Saturday afternoon. Most victims were harvesting paddy or working in the fields when the storms began.
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The Victims: Among the deceased were Habibur Rahman (22), a college student from Dharmapasha; Rahmat Ullah (14), who was working at home; and others identified as Liton Mia (38), Abul Kalam (28), and Nuruzzaman.
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Local officials confirmed that the victims were declared dead upon arrival at local hospitals.
Casualties in Mymensingh and Rangpur
In Mymensingh, two people died in Gauripur and Gafargaon. Rahmat Ali Uzzal (30), a grocery shop owner, was struck while checking his paddy field, and Mumtaz Ali Khan (58) was hit while returning home after Zohr prayers.
In Rangpur, two fishermen lost their lives while catching fish in a pond in Mithapukur. At least ten others were injured in the same incident and are currently receiving treatment at the Mithapukur Upazila Health Complex.
Fatalities in Other Regions
The lightning strikes also claimed lives in:
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Netrokona: A 65-year-old farmer, Altu Mia, was killed while cutting grass for cattle.
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Kishoreganj: Laborer Helal Mia (38) died while harvesting paddy in a Karimganj haor.
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Habiganj: Farmer Sunam Uddin (60) was struck while working along the banks of the Bibiyana River.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department had earlier warned of thunderstorms and gusty winds across the country due to a low-pressure influence. Local authorities have urged citizens to stay indoors during thunder-clouds and avoid open fields or metal structures.