As many as 126 people have been killed in thunderstorms in the last two months, according to an awareness forum report.

A total of 53 people were injured in thunderstorms amongst which 21 were women and seven were children, the Society and Thunderstorms Awareness Forum said in a media statement on Saturday (Jul 6).

According to the statement, the most number of casualties were reported from Kishoreganj where 16 were killed in the last two months.

The districts of Satkhira, Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, Naogaon, Narayanganj, Gazipur and Tangail are followed Kishoreganj in terms of casualties.

The forum’s research cell Executive Head, Abdul Alim told Bangla Tribune that the information was collected from 10 national and local dailies, some online news portals and television scrolls.

“Lightning killed 60 people in May and 66 in June,” the statement read and added that most of these incidents took place while harvesting paddy or fishing in the rain.

It added that many died due to being in tin shed or houses made of hay while some were killed while taking shelter under tall trees during rain.

Why the increase in thunderstorms?

The forum said that climate change, number of tall trees decreasing, increase of rain clouds, increased friction between clouds, random set-up of mobile towers and increasing of temperature worldwide has led to the unusual increase in thunder and lightning.

It also said that one degree rise in temperature will cause the chances of thunderstorms to rise by 10 percent.

What should be done during thunderstorms?

According to the statement, those who work outside are more likely to be at risk of being struck by lightning. The higher an platform, the closer it is to the clouds and the more chance of being struck.

The forum advises people to do the following:

Be cautious when rain clouds are apparent in the sky and take shelter at a safe place before rain starts.

Keep electric connections and cable connections disabled at homes during thunderstorms

If one is at an empty field during lightning, remain low on the ground with fingers in their ear.

Plant tall trees on the fields to reduce damage

If anyone is struck by lightning, steps must be taken to discharge the electricity from the body by massaging.