Five Killed in Sunamganj Lightning Strikes in Haors

At least five people were killed in separate lightning strikes while harvesting paddy in different haor areas of Sunamganj district on Saturday afternoon.

The victims were farmers and a student engaged in seasonal agricultural work in open fields when sudden storms with gusty winds and rainfall swept across the region, triggering lightning strikes in multiple locations.

The deceased were identified as Abul Kalam (25) of Tahirpur upazila, Nazmul Hossain (26) of Jamalganj, Habibur Rahman (24) and Rahmat Ullah (13) of Dharmapasha, and Liton Mia (38) of Dirai upazila.

Local sources said the farmers were busy cutting and collecting paddy in the haor wetlands when the weather rapidly changed. Within moments, dark clouds gathered, followed by strong winds, rain and frequent lightning.

In Tahirpur, Abul Kalam was struck by lightning in Matian haor. He was rushed to the upazila health complex but doctors declared him dead on arrival.

In Jamalganj’s Pagnar haor, Nazmul Hossain of Chanpur village died on the spot during the strike. Another worker sustained injuries in the same incident while working nearby.

In Dharmapasha, two separate lightning incidents claimed the lives of Habibur Rahman, a degree second-year student of Badshaganj Degree College from Boraihat village under Paikurati union, and Rahmat Ullah of Saraswatipur village under Joyshree union.

Local authorities confirmed that the bodies were later handed over to the families after completing necessary formalities.

In Dirai upazila, farmer Liton Mia was struck by lightning while working in Kaliagota (Atarar) haor. He was taken to the upazila health complex, where doctors declared him dead.

Medical officials said such incidents are becoming more frequent during the pre-monsoon and monsoon transition period, when farmers often continue outdoor work despite unstable weather conditions.

The widespread nature of haor farming, with large open fields and limited shelter, makes farmers particularly vulnerable during sudden thunderstorms.

Authorities have urged people in the region to remain cautious during adverse weather and avoid open fields when lightning risk is high.