The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has issued precautionary guidance for the public amid forecasts of thunderstorms and lightning accompanied by rain in several regions of the country. In its warning issued on Wednesday (29 April), the department stated that individuals should immediately move away from hazardous locations upon observing dark, dense clouds in the sky or upon hearing thunder.
The advisory emphasises that hearing thunder is an indication of potential lightning risk, and therefore prompt action is required. The department specifically stated, in its public safety message, that people should move indoors immediately upon hearing thunder.
It further instructed that all members of a household, including children, should remain inside during thunder activity. Remaining outdoors during such conditions is strongly discouraged due to the associated risk of lightning strikes.
The guidance also outlines several safety measures to be followed both indoors and outdoors. Individuals have been advised to avoid playing in open fields, flying kites, or gathering in groups in exposed areas during thunderstorms. These activities significantly increase exposure to lightning risk and should therefore be suspended immediately when thunder is heard.
For those already at home, the department has advised keeping doors and windows closed. It has also instructed that people should not remain in courtyards or open outdoor spaces during lightning activity. Additionally, touching window grills or any metallic parts within the house has been discouraged as a precautionary measure.
If individuals are outdoors when thunder is heard, they are instructed to seek safe shelter without delay. The advisory further warns against lying flat on the ground during thunderstorms, as this increases vulnerability. Taking shelter under trees or metal structures is also identified as highly dangerous and should be strictly avoided.
Activities in water bodies such as rivers, haor regions, or ponds—including fishing—should be stopped immediately during thunderstorm conditions. The department also advises against touching electrical lines, metallic objects, or connected electrical equipment during such weather events.
Furthermore, the Meteorological Department has reiterated that hearing thunder indicates an ongoing risk of lightning. It recommends that individuals remain in a safe place for at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder is heard, as the risk may persist even after the storm appears to have subsided.
The key safety instructions issued are summarised below:
| Situation | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Thunder heard or dark clouds seen | Move immediately to a safe place |
| Indoors during thunder | Close doors and windows; avoid touching metal parts |
| Outdoors during thunder | Seek shelter immediately |
| Open fields and gatherings | Avoid playing, kite flying, or group gathering |
| Trees or metal shelters | Do not take shelter under them |
| Water bodies | Stop fishing or any water-related activity |
| Electrical equipment | Avoid contact with wires or metal-connected devices |
| After last thunder sound | Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes |
The advisory forms part of standard precautionary measures aimed at reducing risks associated with thunderstorms and lightning activity across affected regions.