According to Uganda Lightning Strike news, a lightning strike killed 14 people and injured 34 others in the Palabek refugee camp in Uganda. The strike occurred on the evening of November 2, 2024, interrupted a prayer service at a church where refugees had gathered.
Also Read: Typhoon Kong-rey News Updates: Typhoon Kong-rey Approaches Taiwan
The lightning strike occurred on Saturday, November 2, 2024 around 5:30 PM local time. Palabek refugee camp, Lamwo district, close to the South Sudan border.
Refugees had gathered in a church for a prayer service when a rainstorm began. The lightning killed 14 people including 13 children and one 21-year-old adult.
According to Uganda Lightning Strike news, An additional 34 people suffered injuries and were transferred to nearby health centers for treatment.
The camp houses approximately 80,000 refugees mostly from South Sudan. Many of the refugees are children, women and vulnerable individuals escaping instability in South Sudan.
The shelters, often made of metal and wood can be inadequate against severe weather, especially lightning, which has been deadly in Uganda in recent years.
The Palabek settlement camp primarily houses refugees from South Sudan. The camp accommodates approximately 50,000 people and it is situated in the Lamwo district of Uganda.
The incident occurred during the wet season. Uganda is known to have one of the highest rates of lightning strike deaths globally, with many fatalities reported during this season.
According to Uganda Lightning Strike news, Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke confirmed the deaths and injuries, stating that the victims had not yet been identified. There was no fire outbreak following the lightning strike, which sometimes accompanies such incidents.
Uganda lies within a region known for frequent lightning storms especially during rainy seasons. Lightning strikes have caused numerous deaths across Uganda from schools to open fields, often affecting young people.
Also Read: Alcohol Consumption in Animals are More Common than Previously Thought
In 2020, a lightning strike killed 10 children in Arua. In 2011, 18 schoolchildren and a teacher were killed by lightning in a schoolyard. In 2020, lightning also killed four endangered mountain gorillas in Mgahinga National Park.
According to Uganda Lightning Strike news, Refugees gathered for prayer at the church especially on weekends. Heavy rains and thunderstorms had swept through northern Uganda and a sudden storm began shortly after the prayer service started.
The lightning reportedly struck the metal roof of the church, resulting in immediate fatalities and injuries among those inside.
According to Uganda Lightning Strike news, the victims included five girls and nine boys aged between 14 and 18 years old. In addition to the 14 fatalities, 34 others sustained injuries and were immediately sent to health centers.
The injured are currently receiving medical assistance in nearby facilities.
Uganda police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke provided details of the incident through social media, updating the public on casualties and injuries.
The Ugandan government and UNHCR are coordinating efforts to assist survivors and provide aid to affected families.
Uganda’s Minister for Refugees and Disaster Preparedness, Hillary Onek reported that bodies of the deceased are being transported to families and support is being provided to survivors.
According to Uganda Lightning Strike news, the UNHCR is working with Ugandan authorities to provide essential services to those affected and to improve safety measures within the camp.
Aid organizations are providing medical supplies, psychological support and basic needs to families impacted by the lightning strike.
Humanitarian agencies are advocating for safety protocols in refugee camps including improved infrastructure to withstand environmental hazards.
Also Read: Fossil Discovery of Oldest Tadpole Unveils Insights into Amphibian Evolution
