Facing frequent & deadly lightning strikes, Bangladesh seeks collaboration with Spain. Sharing expertise in early warning systems & advanced lightning rods could significantly reduce casualties.
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| Not just lightning, Spain and Bangladesh discuss collaboration on disaster management & the ongoing Rohingya crisis. Mohibbur Rahman, Bangladesh's Minister of State for Disaster Management and Relief (Right), and Spanish Ambassador Gabriel Cistiga Fob (Left) |
Dhaka:
Spain has offered a potential lifeline to Bangladesh in its fight against deadly lightning strikes, proposing a collaboration to share expertise and technology in lightning protection. The move comes as Bangladesh grapples with a high frequency of thunderstorms, making it particularly vulnerable to these devastating incidents.
The initiative emerged during a meeting between Mohibbur Rahman, Bangladesh's Minister of State for Disaster Management and Relief, and Spanish Ambassador Gabriel Cistiga Fob. Discussions focused on mitigating the dangers posed by lightning strikes, a major concern for the South Asian nation.
Lightning strikes in Bangladesh typically fall into three categories: cloud-to-cloud, cloud-to-ground (the most common), and cloud-to-air. All carry a significant electrical current, posing a serious threat to life and property. According to a 2023 report by the Bangladesh Institute of Disaster Management and Research, lightning strikes claim an average of 200 lives annually, with many more suffering serious injuries.
Sharing Expertise for a Safer Future
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Minister Rahman called for increased collaboration in disaster management and specifically requested additional support from Spain. He believes Spain's technical expertise in lightning control could significantly improve Bangladesh's existing efforts.
Ambassador Fob responded positively, expressing Spain's willingness to share its knowledge and technology in lightning protection. This collaboration could prove transformative for Bangladesh. Spain has made significant advancements in lightning protection systems, implementing early warning networks, advanced lightning rods, and public awareness campaigns.
The potential benefits extend beyond immediate life-saving measures. Improved lightning protection could enhance public safety during outdoor activities, safeguard critical infrastructure like power grids and communication networks, and even protect agricultural production by minimizing lightning damage to crops and livestock.
Implementing the Lightning Strike Prevention technologies
Implementing these technologies effectively will require careful planning and infrastructure development. Bangladesh will need to assess its specific needs and tailor Spain's expertise to its unique context. Additionally, training programs will be crucial to ensure proper maintenance and operation of the new systems.
Despite these challenges, the prospect of this collaboration offers a glimmer of hope for Bangladesh. By leveraging Spain's experience and technology, the nation can move closer to a future where lightning strikes no longer pose such a significant threat to its citizens.
The meeting also highlighted the ongoing humanitarian crisis faced by the Rohingya population. Ambassador Fob reiterated Spain's commitment to playing an active role in international forums, advocating for the safe and dignified return of the Rohingya people to their homeland in Myanmar.
The coming months will be crucial in determining the specifics of this collaboration. Both Bangladesh and Spain will need to work together to develop a detailed plan for implementing lightning protection technologies and ensuring their ongoing effectiveness. If successful, this partnership could serve as a model for other countries facing similar challenges, showcasing the power of international cooperation in mitigating natural disasters.