Rainy season lightning strikes claim 10 lives in Arakan State

By Admin 27 Oct 2023

DMG Newsroom
27 October 2023, Sittwe
 
Twenty-one people were killed or injured by lightning strikes during the current rainy season, from May through this week, in Arakan State.
 
According to a DMG tally, 10 people were struck dead by lightning: three in Ponnagyun, two in Ramree, and one each in Rathedaung, Kyaukphyu, Mrauk-U, Kyauktaw and Minbya townships.
 
Lightning strikes also left four injured in Ramree, three in Taungup, two in Minbya, and one each in Kyauktaw and Kyaukphyu townships.
 
In Ramree Township, four people were injured by a single lightning strike near a jetty in Honewa Village on Wednesday. “Lightning struck near their boat around 5 a.m. They were rushed to Kyaukphyu Hospital in their boat,” said Ko Myint Naing, a resident of Honewa Village.
 
All four are from Myebon Township, and were in Homewa Village to catch clams.
 
Lightning strikes are common during the monsoon season. 
 
“People must be careful if rain clouds develop,” said U Hla Tun, director of the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology. “If they see lightning flashing, they must stay away from electrical appliances and water. If a person is alone in an open field, the risk of getting struck is high. If lightning strikes near tall trees or buildings, people must crouch down. Tall buildings must install lightning rods.”
 
Temperatures are rising in Myanmar due to global warming, and increased lightning strikes are expected in the years to come, he said.
 
The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology advises people to keep a safe distance from electrical appliances in cases of rain and lightning conditions. In situations where lightning-conducive conditions include crowds, people are advised to keep a distance of at least 15 feet from each other.