Bangladesh issues thunderstorm alert for 21 districts

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecast thunderstorms in 21 districts, including Dhaka.

Rain, accompanied by gusty winds of 45-60 kph or even higher, and thunderstorms with lightning strikes are expected for around four hours in these areas starting at 8:30am on Monday.

The districts listed are Rajshahi, Natore, Pabna, Sirajganj, Tangail, Manikganj, Dhaka, Narsingdi, Rangpur, Gaibandha, Sherpur, Netrokona, Mymensingh, Sunamganj, Kishoreganj, Brahmanbaria, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Sylhet, Rangamati, and Bandarban.

The warning included advice to avoid lightning strikes:

-- Stay inside during thunderstorms

-- Keep windows and doors closed

-- Avoid travel during the storm if possible

-- Take refuge in safe shelter

-- Avoid taking shelter underneath a tree

-- Avoid lying down on concrete floors or leaning against concrete walls

-- Unplug electrical and electronic devices

-- Leave water bodies or lakes quickly

-- Stay away from devices that carry electric current

-- Stay inside during hailstorms