Lightning kills twice in Zamboanga City

ZAMBOANGA CITY—Police had reported two deaths from lightning strikes in four days here.

Maj. Yashier Sarikin, city police spokesperson, warned residents against lounging outdoors after lightning struck and killed a 13-year-old boy on Nov. 5 and a 25-year-old farmer on Nov. 9.

“Barely a week and we have two deaths,” said Sarikin. He said heavy rains with thunder and lightning had been pummelling the city “so to be safe, stay at home.”

The second lightning fatality, Roderick Guzman Dela Cruz, 25, was tending to his farm at the village with four other farmers when he lightning struck him on Nov. 9.

The four other farmers suffered burns and are still in a clinic recuperating. Dela Cruz was pronounced dead at the clinic.

For nearly a week before the lightning strike, the city has seen sunny days, ideal for tilling land damaged by rains in October.

On Nov. 5, Andrew John Mascog Araneta, 13, a high school student, was taking shelter under the a tamarind tree because of heavy rains when lightning struck him.

He was brought to the Mindanao Central Sanitarium Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Elmer Apolinario, city disaster and risk reduction officer, advised residents to monitor weather forecasts before leaving their homes.

He said people should postpone trips or outdoor activity during thunderstorms.

He also reminded residents of what he said was the 30-30 rule.

“After you see lightning, start counting to 30,” he said. “If you hear thunder before the count of 30 ends, go indoors,” he added. “Suspend all activities for 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder,” he said.

Edited by TSB