Govt to build shades, install arresters to curb lightning strikes fatalities

Fatalities in lightning strikes have increased significantly in the country. As many as 334 people were killed in lightning strikes this year till October 12. Though palm trees are highly effective to arrest thunder, it will take at least 10 years to get the result. Authorities drafted a project involving taka 476 crore in a bid to curb casualties in the natural disaster.

Concerned government officials say they are waiting for the signal to implement the project. The fatalities in lightning strikes will decrease if the project is implemented, they hope.

Nationwide 300 forecasting centres 

The government is planning to install more than three hundred forecasting centres across the country which will be equipped with devices capable of warning 40 minutes before the strikes.

Apart from the installation phase the project further features two phases including awareness building among the commons. The positive and negative charge is created four minutes before the thunder strikes. People need to refrain from going out of home when clouds hover over the sky or hearing the cloud sound. People can also know the forecast through the mobile app.  

Shade and the special wire

Data shows that most people who die in lightning strikes are farmers. They are victimized by the disaster when working in open fields or farmlands.

The government has initiated the process of planting 35 lakh palm saplings on land’s isle. But as it will take a long time, shade and lightning arresters will be installed for now.

Disaster Management and Relief secretary Md. Mohsin said residence in the Haor regions is most vulnerable to lightning strikes. A separate plan has been sent only for this area. Pilot projects are underway. If those are successful, the decision will be taken soon.

Under the project, a concrete-made house will be constructed on one decimal land. The room will be equipped with a lightning arrester. People will be able to take shelter in the houses after they learn the warning.

2805 deaths in 11 years

As many as 2 thousand 805 people were killed by lightning strikes in 11 years since 2011. According to data provided by the Disaster Management and Relief Ministry, some 179 people were killed in 2011, 201 in 2012, 185 in 2013, 170 in 2014, 160 in 2015, 205 in 2016, 301 in 2017, 359 in 2018, 198 in 2019, 211 in 2020 and 334 in 2021 so far. However, the non-governmental studies find the toll much more.

Lightning strikes stay 30 minutes

Experts say the duration of thunder strikes stays a maximum of 30 minutes. Building shades can lessen the fatalities. If the outgoers take shelter in the shade and return to work after the end of the strike, the casualties can be curtailed.