Lightning strikes kill 14 in a day during storms in Bangladesh

At least 14 people have died after being hit by lightning strikes during storms and rains in four districts

Netrokona had the maximum death toll of eight in the incidents on Tuesday while the other deaths occurred in Faridpur, Mymensingh and Sunamganj.

The lightning strikes left three others injured in Netrokona.

The dead in the district have been identified as “Bayezid”, 42, Fazlu Mia, 55, Wasek Mia, 35, Bipul Mia, 32, Monir Hossain, 28, “Atabur”, 21, “Sharif”, 18, and “Junayed”, 11.

The injured are “Robin”, 15, “Roman”, 18, and Surma Akter, 22.

Bayezid and Fazlu were struck while working in the field, said Kendua Police Station OC Kazi Shah Newaz.

Wasek, Bipul and Monir were fishing during the incident, according to Khaliajuri Upazila Executive Ariful Islam.

Madan Police Station OC Ferdous Alam said Atabur and Sharif lost their lives while playing outside during the rains. Surma, a housewife, was working outside her home during the event.

The injured were sent to Madan Upazila Health Complex.

Shibirul Islam, OCof Purbodhala Police Station, said Junayed was struck while playing with other boys outside their home. 

Netrokona Deputy Commissioner Kazi Md Abdur Rahman said the district administration would provide Tk 15,000 to each of the families of the dead while the injured would get Tk 2,000 each for treatment.

In Faridpur, the death toll was. The dead are Anwara Begum, 38, Kabir Molla, 48, Dulan Khan 58, and Kabir Sheikh, 40.

Officials of the administration, police and Fire Service and Civil Defence confirmed the casualties in the district to bdnews24.com.

Anawara was returning home carrying paddy with her husband and son. Kabir Molla was also struck by lightning while returning home with paddy. Dulal and Kabir Sheikh were working in the field.

In Mymensingh, a young man named Atiqul Islam died while playing football, said Tarakandi Police Station OC Abul Khaeyr. Another person was injured in the accident.

Abu Taher, 35, died while returning home after fishing in Sunmaganj, said Doarabazar Police Station OC Nazir Alam.