The number of deaths from lightning is rising. While the government has taken the initiative to plant Taal (palm) trees as a prevention, it will take some time to get the benefit from it.
Disaster management specialists say that if long pillars are placed with ‘earthing’ in the rural areas then around two hundred deaths can be prevented.
Meteorologists say that there is no way to control natural calamities but with proper steps, safety can be ensured.
According to information given in the disaster forum, from Jan 1 till May 19, a total of 73 persons were killed and 28 wounded during thunderstorms.
Of the dead, 14 are children, five are women and 54 are men.
In 2018, 158 persons died due to lightning; that year, 158 persons were killed in May alone.
In 2016 and 2017, the number of deaths was more than 200.
Meteorologist Aftab Uddin, said: “Lightning during this time is natural since the earth is hot; water vapour rises upwards and creates storms.”
The increase of carbon and lead is responsible for high number of lightning.
Meherun Zhumu, who works in environmental management, says: “Lightning will rise due to the increase of carbon in the air; this phenomenon will rise since trees, forests are being cut off.”
Saying that urban homes have lightning resistant rods, she added: “Deaths are rising in the villages since the number of big trees has fallen.”
Disaster management specialist, Gowher Nayeem, says: “The natural protections have been decimated so we do not have the basic protection from lightning.”
These deaths can be brought down fast; if earthing is done with long poles in the haor and other areas, then death rates will fall considerably, he commented.
“Tal or palm tree is not the only lighting resistant tree, we can also plant other trees which grow tall in a short while; also, cutting of old tall trees must be stopped.”