Lightning strikes have claimed 92 Cambodian lives so far this year, a significant jump from the 64 deaths that occurred between January and August last year, according to a government official.
Keo Vy, spokesman for National Committee for Disaster Management, said that through late August, 92 people have been killed by lightning and 99 others have been injured. Over the same period last year, 64 were killed and 58 were injured.
Eighty cows and buffalos have also been killed by lightning in 2016, and dozens of houses damaged, according to Vy.
“It’s still rainy season, when lightning frequently occurs. This August, wind from other regions has reached our country, causing low pressure and rain, storms and lightning,” Vy said.
“We must be cautious to avoid lightning strikes by switching off phones or TV.”
The weather has also been hotter this year, creating stronger winds than normal.
Vy said that so far this year, 15 people have been killed by strong winds, with another 183 injured. Thousands of homes have also been damaged by strong winds and storms.
