Lightning in Bangladesh
Lightning has become a serious natural disaster in Bangladesh, causing a significant number of fatalities every year. Climate change, unplanned urbanization, and agricultural practices are playing major roles in increasing this trend.
⚡ Why does lightning occur?
Lightning primarily occurs due to the uneven distribution of electric charges (electrical charge) inside and around thunderclouds (Cumulonimbus clouds). Simply put, when water droplets, ice fragments, and hail particles inside the cloud collide with each other, an electric charge is generated. This charge accumulates until it becomes so high that it seeks to balance with the ground or another cloud — this is when lightning strikes.
In detail:
- The upper part of the cloud is typically positively charged, while the lower part is negatively charged.
- The layer above the ground then tends to have a relative positive charge.
- When the difference in charge inside the cloud becomes very large and the air can no longer resist, the charge suddenly flows — this is what we call lightning.
- Lightning generates intense heat (up to around 30,000°C), which rapidly expands the air, and this expansion creates a thunderous sound — this is called thunder.
⚡ Statistics and Impact of Lightning:
- From 2013 to June 2020, a total of 1,878 people died due to lightning strikes in the country. During this period, the annual mortality rate was 1.6 per million. Particularly in April-May, around two people die each day from lightning strikes, which is related to the agricultural season.
- Bangladesh experiences an average of 8.4 million lightning strikes annually, with around 70% occurring between April and June. During this time, farmers are working in the fields, making them more vulnerable.
- A United Nations report states that due to climate change, the risks of death and danger from extreme heat and disasters like lightning are increasing. Around 83% of Bangladesh’s population faces some form of climate disaster throughout the year.
⚠️ Risky Times and Areas:
- Around 59% of lightning strikes occur from March to May, and 36% from June to September. Lightning strikes are more frequent between 6 PM and 9 PM.
- Areas such as Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Rangamati, and Chittagong are identified as lightning-prone regions.
🛡️ Safety and Preventive Measures:
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has provided 10 key safety tips to stay safe during lightning, which include:
- Take shelter in a safe place within 30 seconds after hearing the sound of thunder.
- Stay in a safe place for at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder.
- Stay away from open fields, water bodies, or tall trees.
- Avoid using electrical devices even inside the house.
🌿 Solutions and Future Plans:
To reduce the damage caused by lightning, the government and relevant organizations are taking various initiatives, such as:
- Installing lightning arresters in lightning-prone areas.
- Using advanced technology for lightning forecasting.
- Conducting awareness programs for public education.
- However, long-term solutions require international cooperation and planned urbanization to combat the effects of climate change.