Uganda has one of the highest rates of lightning strike deaths in the world, the World Meteorological Organization
KAMPALA, Uganda. Update : 04.11.2024
More than a dozen people, have died after lightning struck a metal roof in a makeshift church in a Ugandan refugee camp.
Police said Sunday at least 14 people, including several children, were killed when the lightning struck where they were sheltering, in Palabek settlement camp, Northern Uganda, which primarily houses refugees from South Sudan.
Police spokesman Kituuma Rusoke said 34 other people were injured. He added that there was no report of fire breaking out following the strike.
Around 50 people took shelter in the church in the church on Saturday evening when a heavy storm hit the area. Several were injured, currently admitted to health centers.
Deadly lightning is commonly reported in this East African country during the wet seasons.
According to the World Meteorological Organization, Uganda has one of the highest rates of lightning strike deaths in the world.
In 2021, a lightning strike killed 18 children and their teacher in Kiryandongo district, Western Uganda, when lightning hit the victims in a classroom.
Source : AA
