Are we really trying to prevent ?
Every year Sri Lanka experiences high number of lightning strikes. Deaths and injuries from lightning strike are not uncommon in the country. Lighting strike has an immense amount of energy in the forms of heat and electrical charges.
April thunder storms started. Few weeks ago following news was seen in several TV channels and newspapers.
“Lightning struck and killed two people yesterday (18 Apr 2011 ) in Galgamuwa and Meegalewa. A 41yrs old woman while working in her paddy field and 35 yrs old man while standing under a tree died from lightning injuries".
Both incidences could have been prevented if they were aware
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Although most of the people seem to know the danger and how to prevent they risk their lives due to negligence.
During a thunder storm outdoor activities are really hazardous. But I have seen children are playing sports in the schools grounds while teachers and parents are watching them and in many cases responsible authorities do not stop the game because they want to continue the game as scheduled. In other instances reception parades organized to welcome a chief guest continue with heavy rain and thunder because organizers (may be the chief guest) feel interruption can dishonor the guest.
Recently I have seen several children (from a high class family) were swimming in a hotel pool during heavy thunder strikes. Their parents enjoyed tea while watching them swimming but no one tried to ask them come out from the pool. Either they were not aware or they didn’t think their children can be struck.
Most of the lightning hazards can be prevented by avoiding outdoor activities and stay inside a covered place such as a house or a vehicle. Teachers and organizers should stop any outdoor event during a thunder stormed without risking innocent lives.
Media can do a lot to change the attitudes of the public towards a safe practice.
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