Duck Farmer Fatally Struck by Lightning in Sunamganj

A young man identified as Safiq Mia (32) was killed by a lightning strike on Saturday morning while tending to his ducks in a wetland (haor) in Sunamganj. The incident occurred at approximately 11:00 am in Surigaon village, located within the Lakshmipur Union of Dowarabazar Upazila.

Details of the Incident

According to local sources, Safiq Mia, the son of Biraj Mia and a dedicated duck farmer, had followed his daily routine by taking his flock to the haor for grazing on Saturday morning. During this period, a sudden storm developed, accompanied by severe thunder and lightning. Safiq Mia was struck directly by a lightning bolt and died instantly at the scene.

Tarikul Islam Talukdar, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Dowarabazar Police Station, confirmed the veracity of the incident. Furthermore, the Dowarabazar Upazila Project Implementation Officer, Md. Luthfur Rahman, stated that the authorities have been notified of the farmer’s death. He added that administrative officials are currently in contact with the bereaved family to provide necessary support.

Context of Lightning Hazards in Bangladesh

Lightning strikes have been declared a national disaster in Bangladesh due to the high frequency of fatalities, particularly in the Haor regions of Sunamganj. These vast, open wetlands offer little to no natural cover, making farmers and fishermen highly vulnerable during the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons.

Regional Vulnerability and Safety Guidelines

Sunamganj is statistically one of the most lightning-prone districts in Bangladesh. The lack of tall trees and the presence of large bodies of water increase the risk of electrical discharges hitting individuals in open spaces.

According to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, several protocols are recommended to mitigate such risks:

• Immediate Shelter: Seek refuge in a permanent concrete structure as soon as dark clouds appear.

• Avoid Tall Objects: Do not stand near solitary tall trees, electric poles, or metal towers.

• Water Safety: Fishermen and farmers in the haor are advised to return to land or stay low in boats if a storm approaches.

• Footwear: Wearing rubber-soled shoes or boots can provide a degree of insulation, though they do not guarantee safety against direct hits.

The government usually provides financial assistance to the families of lightning strike victims through the Upazila administration. For Safiq Mia’s family, the local Project Implementation Office is currently processing the administrative details to facilitate this support.