Many deaths due to lightning
by Prasanna Amaranayake and Dinesh Alwis
Using mobile phones or land phones during thunder showers is
extremely dangerous due to the risk of lightning.
There were recent reports of about five incidents where injuries were
suspected to have been caused by mobile phone use during thunder
showers, Deputy Director, Weather Forecasting and Disaster Management
Activities, S. R. Jayasekara said.
He said about six deaths caused by lightning strikes were reported to
the Meteorological Department from several areas in the country such as
Kirialla, Mapagala and Galaha so far this year.
The majority of victims were children. According to the
Meteorological Department, a large number of homes and other properties
have been damaged or destroyed due to lightning in recent weeks.
Department sources said, the country would continue to experience
inter-monsoonal rains until the middle of May.
The Department has severely warned the public to take precautions to
minimise the risks against lightning hazards.
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