Lightning from the window of the Phnom Penh centre. Photograph: Meng Kimlong/Phnom Penh Post

Lightning strikes in Cambodia have killed 100 people and wounded at least 70 in the first 10 months of the year, according to the National Disaster Management Committee.

The figure is, so far, lower than last year, according to Keo Vy, deputy information directors of the disaster committee.

In 2011, 165 people were killed by lightning and 122 injured, Vy said.

He also noted that 32 cattle have been claimed by strikes this year, the same figure as all of 2011.

During the rainy season, the threat of death by lightning in Cambodia increases, and the government has tried education campaigns to reduce the risk.

“Though the figure decreases this year, our officials are still concerned of the problem, because lightning is a natural phenomenon that people cannot prevent,” adding that lightning strikes usually start to peter out in early November.

Most of the strikes have occurred in Pursat, Kampong Cham, Prey Veng and Takeo provinces, he said, and government officials have concentrated most of their education campaigns in those areas.  

“We are still unable to buy lightning rods in each place, because it is expensive,” he said.

To contact the reporter on this story: Khoun Leakhana at [email protected]