Dhaka, May 2 -- Lightning strikes have killed 72 people this year, with farmers accounting for the majority of victims, according to the Save the Society and Thunderstorm Awareness Forum (SSTF).

In a media statement on Saturday, the voluntary group said 14 people died in lightning incidents on Apr 26 alone, underscoring the growing threat.

Most of those killed this year were farmers working in open fields.

The SSTF issued three key safety directives for farmers:

* Take immediate shelter when dark clouds gather while working outdoors.

* Do not stand under trees during rainfall under any circumstances.

* Wear footwear while working in fields to reduce risk.

Marking May Day, SSTF teams visited the Arial Beel area of Munshiganj on Frid...