At least 14 people have been killed by lightning strikes as powerful seasonal storms swept across Bangladesh, according to Reuters. The deaths were reported on Monday from different districts following sudden downpours accompanied by intense lightning, according to Reuters.

Most of the victims were farmers and labourers working outdoors when the storms struck, local officials said, as reported by Reuters. Several others were injured and rushed to nearby hospitals, with some reported to be in critical condition, according to Reuters.

Bangladesh experiences frequent lightning-related fatalities, particularly during the pre-monsoon period between April and June, according to Reuters. The country officially declared lightning a natural disaster in 2016 after more than 200 people were killed in a single month, including 82 deaths recorded in one day, as reported by Reuters.

Experts have linked the rising number of lightning deaths to environmental changes, according to Reuters. Deforestation has reduced the number of tall trees, which previously helped divert lightning strikes away from people, leaving those in open areas more exposed, as reported by Reuters.

Authorities continue to warn residents, especially those working in fields, to seek shelter during thunderstorms as unstable weather conditions persist across the country, according to Reuters.