At least 246 people were killed and 97 injured by lightning strikes across the country in six months from February to August this year, according to a report of a non-government organisation.
The report, released by Save the Society and Thunderstorm Awareness Forum, said the victims include 30 women, six children, eight youths and 202 men.
The data was gathered from local and national dailies and some online portals as well as television channels.
Most of the victims were killed while harvesting paddy, fishing and cattle farming in fields. Some of the victims died while sleeping in cottages, tin-shed houses and under trees.
In February, at least 11 people were killed and eight others were injured by lightning strikes. Of them, 10 were males and one was female. Of the injured, four were males, two females and rest were youths.
In March, five people were killed. Of them, three were males and two were females. Among the three injured, two were children and one was a man.
In April, at least 20 people were killed and eight others were injured. Of them, 17 were males, two females and one youth. Of the injured, seven were males and rest of them females.
In May, at least 60 people were killed. Of them, 48 were males, eight females, one child and three youths. 24 people were injured out of which 15 were males, seven were females and two were children.
In June, 66 people were killed and 18 others were injured by lightning strikes. Of them, 11 were females, three children and two were youths. Of the injured, 12 were males, two females, three children and rest of them were youths.
In July, at least 47 people were killed. Of them, 43 were males and rest of them were females. Out of the injured 25 people, 23 were males and two were females. In August, 37 people were killed and 11 others were injured.
Secretary General of the organisation Rashim Mollah, Executive Head Abdul Alim, Vice President Sohel Rana, Executive Member Masud Rana, Govt Titumir College Member Hasnain Ahmed and Government Bangabandhu College Member Zubair Hossain were present at the conference, among others.
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