Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (DV)
Mangalore, May 4: “The district has been receiving rain from the past 15 days. Though it is a good sign of prosperity, many accidental deaths due to lightning have also occurred. Over one week, six people have died while four were severely injured. People work with metal items in the presence of lightning and thunder. Hence, to prevent accidental deaths due to lightning, people should take some precautions,” said A B Ibrahim, deputy commissioner.
He was addressing the press in his office on Saturday May 3.
Dr K V Rao, director of Dr Shivarama Karantha Pilikula Nisargadhama, said, “We should take precautions to avoid natural disasters. In Japan, children are trained to safeguard themselves from earthquakes. During the pre-monsoon season, lightning and thunder are common. We should take steps to prevent accidental deaths due to natural events like lightning. When there is lightning, we should be inside the house which is safe. People should avoid carrying metal or pointed metal objects which will attract lightning very easily. We should switch off or avoid use of electrical appliances, mobile, and land phones during episodes of lightning. People should never stand in an open field with water. Children must be told to get inside the house. Also avoid riding cycles, and motor bikes when there is lightning.”
Executive engineer Manjappa said, “Buildings should use lightning spikes, lightning arrester, and surge arrester to safeguard from thunder. Houses should install earth leakage circuit breakers”.