Community and School-Based Lightning Safety Awareness Campaign

Raising Awareness to Save Lives: Lightning Safety Campaign in Bangladesh

Lightning strikes continue to be one of the deadliest natural hazards in Bangladesh, claiming thousands of lives and causing serious injuries every year. Between 2015 and 2025, more than 2,180 people lost their lives due to lightning and thunderstorms, with rural communities and farmers being the most affected. Recognizing the growing threat, the Government of Bangladesh officially declared thunderstorms a national disaster in 2016.

To address this challenge, a comprehensive awareness campaign has been launched to educate community members, students, and teachers about life-saving lightning safety practices. The initiative focuses on increasing preparedness through community outreach programs, school-based awareness sessions, and the distribution of educational materials that explain what to do before, during, and after thunderstorms.

As part of a long-term resilience strategy, the campaign also promotes the planting of Palmyra Palm (Tal) trees, which can serve as natural lightning protectors while contributing to environmental sustainability. In addition, the initiative advocates for the installation of Lightning Arrester systems in vulnerable communities and educational institutions through collaboration with government agencies and private-sector partners.

By improving public awareness, strengthening community preparedness, and promoting practical risk-reduction measures, the campaign aims to reduce lightning-related injuries and fatalities and build safer, more resilient communities across Bangladesh.