3 dead in separate lightning strikes

Three persons died after being struck by lightning  in separate incidents in the provinces, according to a report on GMA News TV's Balita Pilipinas Ngayon on Friday.

A farmer in Nabua, Camarines Sur was working in the rice field with his companions when the sudden downpour prompted them to take cover. The other farmers ran to a nearby house, but the victim identified as Marvin Leonen sought shelter in a small hut across the field where he was hit by lightning.

The farmer, who was the father of three young children, suffered severe burns and was dead by the time he was brought to the hospital.

In the town of Canaman, also in Camarines Sur, eight men who were building a house at Barangay San Vicente were also rushed to the hospital after lightning bolt struck a tree where they took cover.

One of them, identified as Raymond Pesimo, died from injuries, while another identified as Mazer Salik was in critical condition.

"Narinig ko umiiyak, sumisigaw, tulungan niyo kami, tulungan niyo kami, paglabas ko, nakita ko diyan talagang naka-bulagta ang ginawa ko, humingi ako ng tulong," a resident recalled.

Meanwhile, in Babatngon, Leyte, a fisherman identified as Diosdado Sabenorio was out at sea when lightning struck their boat.

According to his companions, they saw Sabenario collapse to the ground when the bolt hit a light beside him.

They rushed Sabenario to the nearest hospital but he was already dead by the time they got there.

A bolt of lightning also damaged the lightning arrester of the Mountain Province Electric Cooperative in Bontoc on Monday, killing the power in five towns.

For safety, the public is highly advised to stay indoors during thunderstorms.

One should remember precautions including staying away from doors and windows; avoiding using appliances; and avoiding going near metal objects.

When outdoors, the report said it was safer to stay away from tall structures like trees, and assume a squatting or couching position. —Margaret Claire Layug/LDF, GMA News