A 33-YEAR-OLD female farmer was struck and killed by lightning in Barangay Tococ-Barikir, Mangatarem town in Pangasinan on Sunday, June 4, 2023.
In an interview on Monday, June 5, Mangatarem Police Station deputy chief Captain Jorlan Salcedo identified the victim as Myrna Soriano, a local resident.
“The victim was discovered lifeless by her brother Sunday late afternoon. She was still brought to the nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival by the physician,” he said.
Salcedo said the attending physician confirmed that the victim was hit by lightning as proven by the burnt parts of her body, especially at the back of her neck that caused her death.
Based on the police’s investigation, the victim took shelter under a mango tree following a sudden heavy downpour when she was struck by the lightning.
Salcedo said this is the first death caused by lightning in the town from January to June 4 this year.
The Pangasinan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has reminded the public to stop all outdoor activities and get inside the house, building, or car with a sturdy roof during a thunderstorm to prevent accidents.
The PDRRMO also advised that appliances and gadgets, such as the television, should be turned off and removed from the outlet.
“Stay away from windows and doors, as well as terraces. Stay away from electric posts, tall trees, and those in open areas. Wait for 30 minutes from the last lightning or thunder before going out,” the PDRRMO said.
In 2022, there were three deaths caused by lightning strikes recorded in Pangasinan from May to June. (PNA)