BY RHENJIE MARIE CALANTAS
ILOILO – One died and four are still being treated at the hospital after lightning struck a bahay kubo in Sitio Luawan, Barangay San Carlos, Anilao, Iloilo, last Friday, May 26.
Rey Velarde, 47, was declared “dead on arrival” at the Don Jose Sustiguer Memorial Medical Center in Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo.
While injured were Lorenze Daquiado, 31; Laurence Daquiado, 27; John Paul Taldelore, 24; and a seven-year-old boy.
Police Captain Ma. Fe Umiten, chief of the Anilao Municipal Police Station, said in an interview with RMN Iloilo that the incident happened past 4 p.m. when heavy rains were pouring.
The victims were having a drinking session in a hut, he added.
The police also reminded the public to be cautious when there are thunderstorms.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), houses that are made of wood often attract lightning.
Engr. Jan Baron of PAGASA Iloilo said that lightning often hits tall objects, especially those behind trees like huts.
“Basta kahoy na alamagon sang mga kilat. Kon present ang aton nga mga thunderstorms, indi gid kita magpanago sa mga payag, especially sa mga gagmay nga wooden-made nga mga balay,” said Baron.
Baron advised to take shelter in a large concrete building.
“Ang best na da nga [ubrahon], pasilong kita sa isa ka large-structured building nga kon manago kita mas malayo kita sa mga windows. Make sure nga sa ina nga structure may wirings kag mga metal pipings kay ang tendency sina, kon ang structure maigo sang kilat, ang kilat ma-travel sa mga wirings kag mga metal pipings kag dal-on niya na sa duta,” Baron explained.
On May 8, 12 people were struck by lightning while taking shelter in a hut in Banate, Iloilo. Three were killed in the incident./PN
