Sharp increase in lightning deaths

Death toll due to lightning continues to increase. The latest victim was a 17 - year - old youth in Medikele, Eheliyagoda who died on Saturday night on the way to Aissawella Hospital.

A house at Weedapola in Hadugala in the Walasmulla Divisional Secretariat region was also badly damaged when it was struck by lightning on the same evening. A girl aged 14 had sustained injuries in this incident.

Twenty one persons have died so far this year after being struck by lightning.  14 of them died in the month of April.

The Meteorology Department said lightning related incident have shown a sharp increase and the public should take maximum precautions against lightening.  It said that it is dangerous to be in the open areas or work in the fields during lightening times.  It further said that people should avoid using metal equipment, lined telephones, watching television, listening to radios during lightening times. The Department also said that it is dangerous to travel in bicycles, motor cycles and tractors and also to be near petrol stations when there is lightening.

The prevailing weather conditions are expected to be continued until the end of this month. (niz).