A tea vendor named Arafat, aged 23, died after being struck by lightning in Hatiya upazila of Noakhali on Sunday, April 27, 2026. The incident occurred around noon in Gamchakhali village of Char Ishwar Union’s Ward 6, leaving the local community in mourning. Arafat, son of Md. Afsar Uddin, earned his living by running a tea stall in a nearby market.

According to local sources, Arafat had gone to inspect a peanut field near his home when a sudden Kalbaishakhi storm began. He was struck by lightning on his way back and died instantly at the scene. Hatiya Upazila Nirbahi Officer Russell Iqbal confirmed the death and reminded residents that lightning strikes increase during the Baishakh–Jaistha months, urging people to stay indoors and seek shelter during storms.

Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious during seasonal storms to prevent further casualties from lightning incidents.