Toll decreases

THE number of people killed by lightning strikes this year fell by 26 compared to last year, largely thanks to education campaigns instructing people to remain indoors, keep away from trees and unplug electrical items during thunderstorms, an official said yesterday.

Keo Vy, chief of cabinet at the National Committee for Disaster Management, said 114 people were killed by lightning strikes during rainy season storms this year. A further 58 people were injured, 65 head of cattle were killed and three houses were destroyed, he said.

“The number of deaths is lower than last year, when 140 people died, 59 were injured, and 38 cattle were killed,” he said. “We keep on educating and explaining to the people about how to avoid the lightning.”