A total of eight people were killed across six districts in Bangladesh within 24 hours due to lightning strikes during thunderstorms accompanied by seasonal nor’westers and rainfall. All of the deceased were farmers and labourers who were engaged in harvesting boro paddy and maize in open fields when the incidents occurred. Several others were also injured, with some reported to be in critical condition.
The incidents took place on Wednesday (6 May), from early afternoon to late afternoon, in Naogaon, Jamalpur, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Mymensingh, and Natore districts.
Table of Contents
Summary of fatalities by district
| District | Number of deaths | Notable details |
|---|---|---|
| Naogaon | 3 | Farmers and labourers struck in separate locations |
| Jamalpur | 1 | Young farmer struck while harvesting maize |
| Lalmonirhat | 1 | Farmer struck while returning from field |
| Kurigram | 1 | Farmer struck while harvesting paddy |
| Mymensingh | 1 | Farmer struck during boro harvest |
| Natore | 1 | Death reported; further details not specified |
Jamalpur
In Dewanganj upazila of Jamalpur, a 30-year-old man named Sohan Mia was killed while working in a maize field. He was the son of Shukur Mahmud from Nazirpur area under Bahadurabad Union.
Local sources stated that around 4:00 pm, Sohan Mia was harvesting maize when sudden rain began with thunderclouds forming overhead. He remained in the field when lightning struck, killing him instantly. Dewanganj Upazila Executive Officer Shah Jahurul Hossain confirmed the incident and stated that government assistance would be provided to the family.
Naogaon
Three people were killed in separate incidents in Niamatpur and Mahadebpur upazilas of Naogaon district during the afternoon.
The deceased were identified as Anukul Chandra from Ramnagar village in Niamatpur, Jewel from Shibganj upazila of Chapainawabganj who was working in the same area, and Dilip Chandra Barman from Kurapara village in Mahadebpur.
Eyewitnesses reported that Anukul Chandra and Jewel were harvesting paddy in adjacent fields when lightning struck during rainfall. Dilip Chandra Barman was also struck in a separate location in Mahadebpur. Two additional individuals sustained serious injuries and were transferred to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital in critical condition.
Lalmonirhat
In Kaliganj upazila of Lalmonirhat, farmer Md Yousuf Ali, aged 35, was killed by lightning while returning home from his maize field. He was a resident of the area and father of three children.
The incident occurred in the South Votmari area under Votmari Union. Family members stated that he was returning home after working in the field when sudden rainfall began, followed by lightning strikes. He was taken to Kaliganj Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared him dead.
Mymensingh
In Nandail upazila of Mymensingh, farmer Abdur Rashid, aged 55, died after being struck by lightning while harvesting boro paddy in Rajabaria village under Kharoa Union.
According to local accounts, rainfall began suddenly around 3:00 pm while he was working in a nearby field. A lightning strike hit the area, causing him to collapse. He was taken to Nandail Upazila Health Complex, where physicians confirmed his death.
Kurigram
In Nageshwari upazila of Kurigram, farmer Md Obaidul, son of Md Abdul Haque of Badijamalpur village, was killed while harvesting paddy in his field. He was struck during sudden thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. He was taken to the upazila health complex, where he was declared dead.
Natore
One death was reported in Natore district due to lightning during the same weather conditions, though further details regarding the victim have not been provided.
Authorities in the affected districts have confirmed the incidents and stated that support measures are being arranged for the families of the deceased. The events occurred amid unstable weather conditions marked by thunderstorms and seasonal rainfall, which are commonly associated with increased lightning activity in Bangladesh during this period.