Myths, Safety and Awareness of Lightning Protection in Bangladesh

Abstract

Bangladesh, being a tropical country, experiences relatively high density of lightning each year. Lightning has been identified as one the major causes of weather-related deaths and injuries in Bangladesh. The government of Bangladesh has declared lightning as natural disaster when 81 people have lost their lives in just two days due to lightning in 2016. Lightning is a source of fearfulness, inquisitiveness, inspiration and panic. As number of death has increased in Bangladesh in lightning, so the safety rules for the installation of lightning prevention system which is a mandatory provision under Bangladesh National Building Code, to be followed for building construction. People of low literacy rate have the tendency to violate more, the basic lightning safety guidelines. Hence, awareness program has started to educate the people especially the rural one. However, a survey has been conducted to find out the common myths, beliefs, misconceptions in Bangladesh and its impact on lightning safety. It summarizes the prevailing lightning safety awareness and education around the world. Finally, it puts forward some ray of light about the suggestions about lightning protection, safety and awareness for Bangladeshi people to curb the myths and misconceptions.