Govt ramps up lightning protection measures to safeguard farmers, fishers: Minister

The government is intensifying efforts to reduce lightning-related deaths through early warning systems, plantation drives and protective infrastructure in vulnerable regions, Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu said today (27 April).

He made the remarks in parliament while responding to a notice of urgent public importance raised by Sunamganj-1 lawmaker Kamruzzaman Kamrul.

The minister said several initiatives are being implemented to protect people in haor and other high-risk areas, where farmers and fishers remain exposed to sudden lightning strikes, particularly during the summer and monsoon seasons.

Raising the issue, Kamrul said large parts of his constituency consist of haor wetlands, where people work throughout the year, increasing their vulnerability to lightning incidents.

He noted that at least 12 people were recently killed by lightning strikes across the country, including four in his constituency.

Citing data from Nasa, he said Bangladesh’s north-eastern region, especially the haor areas of Sunamganj, experiences a high density of lightning strikes, with more than 25 strikes per square kilometre.

Despite lightning being declared a national disaster, he said there is still a lack of visible and effective programmes, reliable statistics, adequate protective equipment and dedicated shelters.

He called for urgent, science-based planning and further research to protect lives and livelihoods in these areas.

In response, the minister said Bangladesh is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world and lightning incidents have intensified in recent years, particularly in haor and north-eastern regions.

To mitigate risks, the government has taken several measures, including awareness campaigns and plans to install sirens in vulnerable areas so that farmers can move to safe shelters in advance.

He added that palm tree plantation programmes are being expanded as a natural method to reduce lightning risks, while initiatives are underway to install lightning protection towers in different parts of the country.

“These measures, if strengthened further, will help reduce casualties significantly,” the minister said.