Lightning kills one in Alebtong

ALEBTONG
A 48-year-old man was killed by lightning in Alebtong District following a heavy downpour which ravaged Alebtong and Oyam districts on Thursday evening.
Mr Alfred Obonyo, a resident of Odokoryek village Olet parish, was struck dead during the heavy downpour which lasted for more than two hours.
The disaster has left many farmers counting losses as hailstones also razed down crops in many gardens in the area.
According to the LC3 chairman of Awei Sub-county, Sam Oyena, the hailstones destroyed crops such as simsim, cassava, beans and maize in six villages in the sub-county.

He said the rainstorm also blew off the roofs of several houses in three villages of Ocamo-abor, Agol and Adagkene, leaving them homeless.
He advised the residents to avoid taking shelter under trees and talking on phone when it is raining since it exposes them to the risk of being hit by lightning.
Mr Oyena said he informed the police about the incident and added that the deceased’s body has been taken to Alebtong health centre 1V mortuary.

In Loro Sub-county in Oyam district, several houses had their roofs blown off by strong winds during a heavy downpour on Thursday night and crops were also razed down by hailstones, according to local leaders.
In 2010, lightning killed six pupils and destroyed property worth millions in Apac and Alebtong districts.
In 2011, lightning killed three and injured dozens at a burial in Alebtong District.