Saturday, 21 August 2010

Lightning claims 94th victim of 2010 in Cambodia

via Khmer NZ

August 20, 2010

Lightning killed a woman in Banteay Meanchey province's Malai district Monday, bring the total number of lightning deaths in Cambodia for the year so far to 94, local media reported on Friday, citing the figure from the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM).

Koy Vy, 37, was struck by lightning at about 6 pm while carrying rainwater to a house located in a cornfield in O'Sampoar commune, the Cambodia Daily quoted deputy district chief Duong Tum as saying.

"Right now the lightning is very powerful and dangerous," he said. "We told the villagers not to go out when it rains, but it' s hard for them to get out of the rain because they are farmers."

The NCDM's count of lightning deaths at this point last year was 120. While there have been fewer deaths this year due to lightning strikes, six deaths were recorded across the country this week.

"This week a lot of people were killed by lightning ... mostly due to all the rain," Keo Vy, deputy director of information and relations for the NCDM, was quoted as saying.

Vy said the NCDM was preparing a document for villagers on how to stay safe during thunderstorms, adding that it would be more detailed than previous versions.

"We are preparing the presentation and we also are seeking a sponsor to print posters and booklets," he said.

"When the villagers understand, it will help reduce the deaths by lightning," he said.

Source: Xinhua

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