Up to 64 killed by lightning in Bangladesh: Reports

More than 60 people have reportedly been killed from lightning over the past two days during tropical storms across Bangladesh.

More than 60 people have reportedly been killed from lightning over the past two days during tropical storms across Bangladesh.

Experts say increased deforestation and people’s exposure to metal equipment like cellphones are the reasons behind lightning deaths in Bangladesh (File photo)

Leading Bengali-language newspapers Prothom Alo and Samakal reported Saturday that 64 people have been killed by lightning since Thursday. The reports said most of the deaths have occurred in rural Bangladesh, where farmers are busy with the current harvesting season.

The reports of casualties could not be verified independently, with lightning deaths not usually monitored by government agencies.

Experts say increased deforestation and people’s exposure to metal equipment like cellphones are the reasons behind lightning deaths in Bangladesh.