Public cautioned against lightning

by Ananda Kannangara

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has focused attention on lightning strikes, falling rocks, earthslips and landslides which had injured over 200 persons and killed over 15 persons due to torrential rains in many parts of the country during the past few weeks.

A spokesman for the DMC has warned the public to stay indoors during lightning and thunder strikes and refrain from using electrical appliances such as computers, mobile phones with head phones, refrigerators, water heaters, water pumps, electric irons and televisions as lightning could strike at an unexpected moment.

DMC Media Deputy Director, Sarath Lal Kumara cautioned the public that there could be sudden lightning even during a small shower and called upon people to refrain from seeking shelter under tall trees, staying at sea beaches, mountain tops, travelling in open vehicles and in open isolated areas such as paddy fields and playgrounds.

Lal Kumara also cautioned people to refrain from bathing, swimming and boat riding during thundershowers.

He said global warming and climate change are the reasons for the ongoing heavy rains that had affected over 20,000 people so far in the country.

According to the Meteorological Department the current inter-monsoon rains will end during the first week of December.

Met. Dept. Senior Meteorologist, P.G. Yasarathne has called upon parents not to allow children to use earphones, I-pods, mobile phones, computers and televisions even when the skies are gloomy .

According to police reports, 18 people including three school children and four farmers died after being struck by lightning at Nagoda in Kalutara, Matara, Ethimale in Galgamuwa, Deraniyagala, Imaduwa in Galle and Ratnapura during the past few months.