A 52-YEAR-OLD farmer died after being struck by lightning during a heavy downpour in Lower Mahiga, Barangay Banilad, Cebu City on Friday at 2:30 p.m., May 19, 2023.
The victim was identified as Jessie Gabato, married, with nine children.
According to his wife, Vevencia, 53, her husband was farming with his children, when they took shelter in their hut during a downpour.
She said that the victim was hit by lightning when he stood up inside the hut to change clothes.
She added that even their children – Jestonie, 30; Jeson, 27; Jeqoulo, 20; and Justin, 9, a PWD – were thrown across the room when lightning struck.
“Natingala mi sir nga ang kilat nagtuyok-tuyok man sa payag, makita man namo ang kilat nya kini akong bana kay basa man siya tungod sa uwan gusto siya nga mag-ilis, sa iyang pag barog molapas man na ang iyang ulo sa payag siya ang naigo sa kilat,” Vevencia said.
(We were surprised, sir, when the lightning started twirling around the hut, then my husband, who had been drenched in rain, stood up to change clothes but lightning struck his exposed head).
Jessie got unconscious with a burn on his head.
According to Vevencia, they quickly called for assistance from their neighbors, but because of the heavy rain, it took them some time to respond and carry the casualty to the hospital.
The victim was brought to the Cebu City Medical Center, where he was declared dead on arrival.
Vevencia acknowledged that her husband raised their nine children through farming.
On the side of the road, their children also sell farm produce and livestock.
Concerning how to sustain her children, especially the PWD, Vevencia stated her worries.
“Kinsa naman lang ang moatiman sa akung anak sir wala nakoy bana nga mangita sa among pagkaon,” Vevencia said.
(Who will take care of my children, sir? I don't have a husband to provide for our food). (AYB, TPT)