Emphasizing the life-saving slogan, “If I hear thunder, I will go home immediately,” the “Community Safety Focal Fair-2026” was held in Doarabazar, Sunamganj, to raise public awareness about severe weather risks.
Efforts for Rural Advancement (ERA) organized the fair under the LIGHT Project at the Upazila Parishad ground on Monday (June 15). Plan International Bangladesh funded the event.
ERA Executive Director Fahmida Akhter chaired the event, while Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Md. Fazlul Karim moderated. Doarabazar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Arup Ratan Singha attended as the chief guest.
Special guests included Doarabazar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Tariqul Islam, Plan International Bangladesh Humanitarian Advisor Mohammad Sazed Talukder, and ERA Program Director Kamruzzaman. Other notable attendees were Dr. Sonima Karmakriya (Medical Officer from Nepal), Public Health Officer Shital Sakia, Surma Union Chairman Md. Harun Or Rashid, and Doarabazar Project Implementation Officer Lutfur Rahman.
Speakers highlighted practical ways to stay safe from lightning. They advised the public to stay indoors during storms and recommended wearing rubber or plastic footwear if venturing out is absolutely unavoidable. They also warned against risky activities like fishing, boating, or staying near open water bodies during thunderstorms.
To protect farmers and fishermen in the exposed haor (wetland) regions, speakers stressed the urgent need to build adequate lightning shelters. These structures would provide immediate refuge during sudden storms, significantly reducing the loss of life.
The day-long fair featured five stalls showcasing disaster management information and lightning awareness exhibits. Guests and local visitors explored the stalls and participated in discussions, agreeing that such initiatives are vital for preparing rural communities against multifaceted natural disasters.
