Lightning kills farmer in Ilocos Sur

By Freddie G. Lazaro

CABUGAO, Ilocos Sur – A farmer died while three of his companions were hurt when they were struck by lightning while on their way home from a rice planting session in a farm at Barangay Dardarat here Monday.

Raymund Incillo, 29, was killed on-the-spot while his companions Reynold Incillo, Angel Padilla and a certain Remolacio sustained serious burn injuries.

Meanwhile, local PAGASA weather forecaster Cynthia Iglesias shared some tips to avoid being hit by lightning.

Iglesias said that everyone must be aware about the daily PAGASA forecasts.

Second, Iglesias advised that people caught in a thunderstorm should find a safe, enclosed shelter when thunder is heard. Safe shelters include homes, offices, shopping centers, and hard-top vehicles with the windows rolled up.

She said that “if you are caught in an open area, crouch down in a ball-like position (feet and knees together) with your head tucked and hands over your ears so that you are down low with minimal contact with the ground.

“Do not lie down as lightning causes electric currents along the top of the ground that can be deadly over 100 feet away. Crouching down is the best combination of being low and touching the ground as little as possible.

If you are in a group during a thunderstorm, separate from each other. This will reduce the number of injuries if lightning strikes the ground.

Iglesias also said people should avoid staying in open vehicles, structures and spaces.