Over 260 People Die in Bangladesh Due to Lightning in Six Months

Bangladesh has witnessed the death of 261 individuals due to lightning strikes this year, a phenomenon that some researchers say will worsen due to climate change. According to Reuters, the increase in lightning and associated fatalities poses a severe threat to Bangladesh. The total fatalities from lightning last year in Bangladesh were 265, and in just six months of this year, the number has reached 261. India has also experienced a similar situation regarding lightning-related deaths, with officials reporting that 93 people died from lightning in just the past two days. The lightning crisis has prompted Bangladeshi authorities to add this phenomenon to the list of natural disasters, which includes floods, storms, earthquakes, droughts, and river overflow. With the addition of lightning to the list of natural disasters, the government can provide compensation ranging from $95 to $310 to the families of lightning victims. Since mid-May, the government has paid $18,400 to 81 families of lightning victims. Scientists state that global warming due to climate change has caused more water to evaporate from seas and oceans, leading to an increase in clouds, rainfall, and lightning. According to a California-based researcher, during the months of April, May, and June, which are the hottest months in Bangladesh, moist air rises quickly and interacts with dry northwestern winds, creating large storm clouds. Between May 13 and 15, 67 people lost their lives due to lightning strikes. Some Bangladeshi and international researchers suggest that the increase in fatalities may be linked to the rising population of Bangladesh and deforestation in the country. With the loss of forests, tall trees that could absorb lightning have also disappeared. Most fatalities are among farmers who have been in open fields with iron farming tools or those who have been near telecommunications towers. Despite some researchers linking the increase in lightning to climate change, a Bangladeshi researcher told Reuters that this issue requires further investigation and cannot be directly attributed to climate change. He noted that in the United States, previously 200 to 300 people died annually from lightning, but with increased warnings and public awareness of preventive measures, this number has significantly decreased.