Lightning Strikes Kill Three People in Different Parts of Nepal

Lightning strikes in different parts of Nepal have claimed the lives of three people and injured seven others. One person each died in Doti, Bajhang and Rolpa districts due to lightning.

In Doti, 33-year-old Kamala Nagari of Sayal rural municipality-6, Dallekh, lost her life in a lightning strike during a storm with hail and rain on Wednesday night (April 9). According to District Police Chief SP Binod Sharma, seven others, including her children, were injured in the incident.

In Bajhang’s Bithadchir rural municipality-3, 78-year-old Dhaule Bohora died in a lightning strike, according to Inspector Lokendra Thagunna, spokesperson for the District Police Office.

In Lumbini province, a 15-year-old girl from Rolpa municipality-10, Kutibang, who was staying at a relative’s house in Sunilsmriti rural municipality, died in a lightning strike.

This time of the year is considered highly risky for lightning strikes as it falls under the pre-monsoon period. Experts warn that the highest risk of lightning in Nepal occurs from mid-March (Chaitra 15) to the end of June (Asar).

They advise taking extra precautions during this time. Experts recommend avoiding the use of electronic devices like phones, computers, radios and televisions during lightning, and not touching metal or cold objects that can conduct electricity. They also stress the importance of proper electrical grounding in buildings.

During lightning storms, it's safer to stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed, and remain in dry areas. If outside, one should seek shelter in a building and avoid high places, ridges, under trees or sitting on the ground.