Lightning Strikes Kill 9 Across Four Districts

At least nine people were killed in lightning strikes across four districts on Monday as sudden thunderstorms swept through parts of Bangladesh, catching many victims in open fields and wetland areas.

The fatalities were reported from Netrokona, Sunamganj, Habiganj and Noakhali. Most of the victims were engaged in seasonal agricultural activities, particularly harvesting and drying paddy in haor regions, when the lightning struck.

In Netrokona, three people died in separate incidents in Khaliajuri upazila. Abdul Motalib, 55, was killed while fishing in the Dhanu River. Later, two farmers — Monayem Kha Palan and Md Shuvo Mondol — were struck dead while working in nearby haor fields.

In neighbouring Sunamganj, three farmers lost their lives while harvesting paddy in wetland areas. The deceased were identified as Jamir Hossain, 42, Jamir Uddin, 46, and Abu Saleh, 22. Health officials said they were brought dead to Sunamganj Sadar Hospital, while three others injured in Shantiganj upazila are undergoing treatment.

In Habiganj, two more fatalities were reported in the afternoon. Maksud Ali, 40, was killed while cutting paddy in Nabiganj upazila, and Abdus Salam, 35, died in Baniachang while collecting harvested crops near his home. Local authorities said assistance would be provided to the affected families.

Another fatality occurred in Hatiya upazila of Noakhali, where 22-year-old Mohammad Arafat Hossain, a tea stall worker and part-time farmer, was struck by lightning while trying to gather peanuts he had spread out to dry ahead of rainfall.

Officials said the bodies were handed over to families after legal formalities, as no foul play was suspected. Authorities have urged people to remain cautious during thunderstorms, especially when working outdoors.