Thursday afternoon when stormy rains fell on the locality of "Lassève" 3rd communal section of Belladère (Central Dept.) 5 people were struck by lightning.

3 lightning victims died on the spot, 2 others seriously burned by the electric shock died during their transport to the hospital. Several other people injured by lightning, were reported in the comune of Belladère during this stormy episode.

Remember that the Central Plateau is known as an area where lightning strikes are frequent and often fatal.

Some recommendations to protect yourself from lightning :

• Avoid outdoor activities (sports, recreation, etc.) that are particularly dangerous during stormy weather, as well as electrical work or roof repairs ;

• Never shelter from a storm under a tree. The risk of lightning of an isolated tree is 50 times higher than that of a standing man;

• Open umbrellas are to be avoided. Do not wear any object, especially metal, over the head: fork, fake, golf club, fishing rod, etc... ;

• People in groups should move at least three meters apart to avoid the risk of side-to-side lightning spreading from person to person ;

• Never stand with your legs apart, running or striding when under a storm. According to specialists, the best position is to curl up on the ground, after having spread under a wax or any other piece of insulating material (eg plastic). Even without insulating room, the supine position, legs folded under itself, remains the position of least risk.

• Stone shelters are good shelters against lightning, but do not lean against a wall or pillar. An automobile, doors and windows closed, is an excellent protection provided that it is not convertible or with a plastic roof. We must think about folding the radio antenna.

TB/ HaitiLibre