Severe Thunderstorms and Lightning Strikes Claim Thirteen Lives Across Seven Districts

A series of severe thunderstorms, characteristic of the Kalboishakhi season, resulted in the deaths of at least thirteen individuals across seven districts in Bangladesh on Sunday, 26 April 2026. The fatalities occurred between morning and late afternoon as intense electrical activity accompanied the seasonal nor’wester gales. Official reports indicate that the northern region was the most severely affected, accounting for eleven of the thirteen total deaths recorded in Gaibandha, Sirajganj, Bogra, Panchagarh, Jamalpur, Natore, and Thakurgaon.

Fatalities in Gaibandha and Sirajganj

The highest concentration of casualties was reported in Gaibandha district, where four individuals lost their lives across the Sundarganj and Saghata upazilas. In Sundarganj, a single lightning strike resulted in the immediate deaths of three people: Mr Fuad Chowdhury (33), Mr Rafi Chowdhury (11), and Mr Mizanur Rahman (20). A fourth person sustained injuries during the same incident and was transported for medical treatment. In a separate incident in Saghata upazila, an elderly man identified as Nambar Ali (65) was struck and killed while outdoors during the afternoon storm.

In Sirajganj district, two fatalities were confirmed in the Tarash and Raiganj upazilas. Abdul Hamid (50), a local farmer, was killed instantly while working in an open field in Tarash. Meanwhile, in the Dhangara area of Raiganj, Hasan Shekh (25) died while assisting his family in gathering harvested paddy as the weather deteriorated.

Incidents in Jamalpur and Thakurgaon

Two deaths were recorded in Jamalpur district under distinct circumstances. In Melandah upazila, a young housewife named Morjina Begum (22) was killed by a lightning strike while working inside her kitchen. In a separate occurrence in Char Jatharthapur village within Jamalpur Sadar upazila, Hasmat Ali Hasu (45) was fatally struck while attempting to retrieve cattle from a field. Several other individuals were injured in these incidents and remain under observation in local hospitals.

Thakurgaon district also reported two casualties in Pirganj upazila. The deceased have been identified as Laboni Akter (35) of Niyamatpur village and Elias Ali (37) of Koshadangipara. Laboni Akter was struck while returning from a field with fodder, whereas Elias Ali was hit while inspecting his crops.

Casualties in Bogra, Panchagarh, and Natore

Single fatalities were reported in three other districts as the storm front moved across the country:

• Bogra: In Gabtali upazila, Sumon Hossain (35) died while attempting to bring his goats in from a field during the lightning storm.

• Panchagarh: At Atwari upazila, a day labourer identified as Sohrawardy (40) was killed while working in a tea garden.

• Natore: In Singra upazila, Samrat Hossain (26), a farm labourer, was fatally struck while returning home following a day of harvesting paddy.

Administrative Response and Public Safety

Local administration officials and elected representatives have expressed their condolences to the bereaved families. In most instances, the bodies were handed over to the respective families following the completion of necessary legal and medical formalities.

Meteorological experts and disaster management authorities have noted an increasing frequency of lightning-related deaths during the pre-monsoon season. The public has been strongly advised to remain indoors, avoid standing near tall trees or electrical poles, and refrain from touching metallic objects or using electronic devices during thunderstorms. Farmers and outdoor labourers have been specifically urged to seek sturdy shelter as soon as dark clouds or thunder are observed, as open fields and water bodies significantly increase the risk of being struck.