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.