Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Bangladesh Lightning Deaths Rise to 14, Deforestation Blamed

4/28/2026

40 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Lightning struck several districts of Bangladesh during seasonal thunderstorms, killing at least 14 people.
The victims included a 10-year-old boy, a 22-year-old tea worker married for eight days, and mostly farmers or laborers working in open fields.
Experts said the increase in fatal lightning strikes is linked to deforestation that has reduced tall trees that once drew lightning away from people.

History

Historical Context

UNEP reported Bangladesh’s forest cover fell from 22 % in 1975 to 12 % by 1999, and lightning-related deaths rose 45 % between 1980 and 1998, totaling about 1,200 victims. The 2024 thunderstorms that killed 14 people in Sylhet and Barisal echo this long-standing vulnerability, prompting Bangladesh’s 2020 forest-restoration programme and World Bank reports on climate risk.

1 of 2

Story summary

Lightning struck several districts of Bangladesh during seasonal thunderstorms, killing at least 14 people.
The victims included a 10-year-old boy, a 22-year-old tea worker married for eight days, and mostly farmers or laborers working in open fields.
Experts said the increase in fatal lightning strikes is linked to deforestation that has reduced tall trees that once drew lightning away from people.

1 / 2