Western Bangladesh is witnessing a concerning rise in lightning strike fatalities this year, particularly in districts like Kushtia and Meherpur, where deaths have surged compared to previous years. In the first ten months of 2024, seven people have been killed by lightning in Kushtia, a significant increase from fewer than four deaths recorded between 2015 and 2022. Meherpur has similarly reported six deaths this year, compared to fewer than three over the same previous period.
Experts have traditionally identified regions like Sunamganj, Netrokona, and Kishoreganj as high-risk areas for lightning strikes, with fatalities more common there. However, the sharp increase in deaths in western districts such as Kushtia and Meherpur suggests a shift in the frequency and distribution of thunderstorms. Environmental specialists attribute this shift to rising temperatures and air pollution, largely driven by deforestation and industrial activities, particularly brick kilns.
A study published in the Heliyon journal titled GIS-based Spatial Analysis for Lightning Scenario in Bangladesh reported that between 2015 and 2022, 2,142 people died due to lightning strikes in Bangladesh. Sunamganj remains the worst-hit district, with 140 fatalities, followed by Habiganj. Alarmingly, 72% of lightning strike victims are farmers, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department.
Environmental Changes Driving the Surge
Environmental degradation in western Bangladesh, especially deforestation and the proliferation of illegal brick kilns, is being blamed for the increase in lightning strikes. Kushtia has over 200 brick kilns, yet only 22 are legally permitted. These kilns, which consume vast amounts of coal and wood, emit harmful greenhouse gases, leading to rising temperatures that contribute to more frequent thunderstorms.
According to Save the Society and Thunderstorm Awareness Forum, 297 people have died nationwide from lightning strikes between February and September 2024, with farmers being the most affected group. Kushtia alone reported seven fatalities by October 2024, including five individuals who were struck by lightning in a single incident in Daulatpur, four of whom were farmers. Meherpur has also seen two deaths this year.
Impact of Brick Kilns and Deforestation
Researchers warn that the continued operation of illegal brick kilns in Kushtia and Meherpur is exacerbating climate change in the region. These kilns consume millions of tonnes of coal and wood annually, contributing to significant deforestation. The destruction of trees, which once acted as natural lightning rods, has left farmers and others working outdoors more vulnerable to strikes.
Rashim Mollah, General Secretary of Save the Society and Thunderstorm Awareness Forum, emphasized that most victims are those working in open fields. "The absence of tall trees around agricultural lands has increased the risk of lightning strikes. With global warming intensifying, the frequency of thunderstorms and fatalities will likely continue to rise," he said.
As climate change escalates, the risk to farmers in western Bangladesh will likely worsen unless urgent action is taken to curb deforestation and regulate environmentally harmful industries like brick kilns.
