In Kalapara Upazila of Patuakhali district, Bangladesh, at least 29 cattle have died over a span of two consecutive days due to lightning strikes accompanying heavy pre-monsoon thunderstorms. According to the Upazila Livestock Department, 23 farmers have been officially identified as affected, although local accounts suggest that the actual number of livestock deaths may be higher. Farmers have estimated their total financial losses at approximately 6 million Bangladeshi taka.
The Upazila Livestock Officer, Maruf Billah, confirmed the recorded figures, stating: “On Tuesday and Wednesday, we have verified reports of 29 cattle deaths caused by lightning. A total of 23 affected farmers, including farm owners, have been documented. However, the actual number of dead cattle is expected to be higher.”
The incidents occurred amid sudden thunderstorms that affected multiple areas of the upazila. According to affected farmers, both dairy cows and cattle being fattened for upcoming sale purposes were struck while being kept in open fields or nearby shelters. The losses have directly impacted households dependent on livestock rearing as a primary source of income.
Several farmers from different unions and villages have been identified among the affected. These include Delwar Hossain of Tarikata village in Dhulasar Union; Ibrahim Hawladar and Habibullah of South Baliatoli and Baliatoli villages in Baliatoli Union respectively; Shahida Begum of Refugeepara; Anesh Khan and Enayet Talukdar of Madhukhali village in Madhukhali Union; Noor Hossain of Komorpur village in Mohipur Union; and Ruhul Amin Khan of Azimddin village in Mithaganj Union.
Farmers reported that the sudden lightning strikes occurred during active thunderstorms, leaving little opportunity to move livestock to safer locations. Some of the deceased cattle included dairy cows, young calves, and fattening cattle intended for sale in the near future. The losses have disrupted planned income from livestock trading, particularly ahead of seasonal markets.
A summary of the affected individuals and locations is provided below:
| Farmer Name | Village | Union/Area |
|---|---|---|
| Delwar Hossain | Tarikata | Dhulasar Union |
| Ibrahim Hawladar | South Baliatoli | Baliatoli Union |
| Habibullah | Baliatoli | Baliatoli Union |
| Shahida Begum | Refugeepara | Not specified |
| Anesh Khan | Madhukhali | Madhukhali Union |
| Enayet Talukdar | Madhukhali | Madhukhali Union |
| Noor Hossain | Komorpur | Mohipur Union |
| Ruhul Amin Khan | Azimddin | Mithaganj Union |
One of the affected farmers, Ruhul Amin Khan of Azimddin village in Mithaganj Union, reported that a dairy cow tethered in a field was struck and killed instantly during the storm on Tuesday afternoon, resulting in an estimated loss of around one lakh taka.
Regarding relief measures, Upazila Executive Officer Kausar Hamid stated that government assistance, including financial support, food aid, and corrugated iron sheets, will be provided for damaged households. He further added that a list of farmers who have lost livestock due to lightning is being compiled for submission to higher authorities for possible assistance.
The livestock department continues to verify the extent of the losses, as field-level assessments indicate that the total number of affected animals may exceed the officially confirmed figure.