In response to the lightning strike that killed a farmer and injured three others in Moises Padilla, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office head, Dr. Zeaphard Caelian, urged the public to shut off mobile phones and radio sets during thunderstorms.
In a radio interview yesterday morning, Caelian said using a mobile phone and radio set during a thunderstorm is dangerous as it attracts the electrical current produced by a lightning strike.
Based on previous cases of lightning strikes, most local victims were either using their mobile phones or listening to the radio.
He also advised the public to be on alert during a thunderstorm and avoid staying area with “very little protection.”
Earlier this week, a farmer, identified as 40-year-old Zaldy Marfil, was killed after he was struck by lightning in the town’s Barangay Odiong. Three other victims—identified as Rudfil Espartero, Rodrigo Espartero, and Juanito Magsipoc—were immediately hospitalized following the incident.
Based on an investigation carried out by local officials, the victims, all of whom are farmers, were heading to their fields when they were caught in a sudden downpour.
The group intended to return home but, while heading back, they were struck by lightning./DGB, WDJ