Be safe from lightning strikes, hailstorm

Precious Manomano-Herald Reporter

PEOPLE, especially farmers, need to be careful when conducting their day-to-day activities so they are not harmed by extreme weather conditions currently being experienced.

 This comes as the Meteorological Services Department has advised of rains, lightning and hailstorms in most parts of the country which started yesterday and will end today (Friday).

To stay safe during a violent storm, it is safer to shelter indoors and to avoid unnecessary movement.

People should also avoid walking around until the weather subsides. It is always recommended to avoid being the tallest object under a tree during a thunderstorm.

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said it is critical for farmers to make sure that they are always safe when conducting their farming activities.

‘’It is critical for farmers to make sure that they are safe together with their livestock. Rains bring joy to farmers but we need to make sure that we are safe. We are now in the rainy season and farmers can plant taking advantage of these rains. Rains are very useful for our livelihoods but extreme precautions are needed to make sure that we are safe from lightning strikes,’’ he said.

 In an advisory, the Met Department said localised rains in excess of 30mm are expected in all Mashonaland provinces while small pellets of hail may occur in some parts of Masvingo.

 “Watch out for light showers in almost all wards across the country. Lightning and thunder is expected in all areas and localised wind gusts are anticipated, these can damage roofs and trees. When thunder roars it is best to be indoors. Do not seek shelter under trees or near poles or pylons. If unable to find shelter, crouch as low as possible and as far as possible from livestock. Avoid travelling in open trucks in the event of lightning,” warned the MSD.

Members of the public have also been advised to watch out for fallen trees and to ensure the area around their property is safe from this hazard.

 “Drivers are advised to take caution on the roads as the roads may be slippery.”

 The Met Department said the rains will be a result of a cloud band from Botswana which is expected to bring in moisture through the western border of the country.

“This should spread across the country resulting in scattered thundershowers and localised hailstorms, especially in areas that were sunny and hot such as Masvingo.

 “Cool and moist south-easterly winds from the southeast coast of South Africa are anticipated. 

“These should drive the rains northward and concentrate them in Mashonaland; thus moderate rain is expected in these areas from today to Friday,’’ said the department.

Zimbabwe is one of the world’s most lightning-prone countries and according to research, the country is the holder of a world record in lightning-related fatalities, as lightning strikes kill up to 100 people, mostly rural children, during the rainy season.

The majority of lightning-related fatalities and injuries in the country are usually recorded in rural areas. 

This is because large buildings provide protection for those inside due to the metal frame of the building and specially designed lightning conductors.

 People on buses and in cars are also safe because of the metal frames around them.

Zimbabwe has the distinction of being one of lightning’s most favourite places. It is even cited in the Guinness Book of world records as the country where a single bolt of lightning claimed the largest number of victims. 

This occurred in a village near the eastern border town of Mutare in 1975 when 21 people were killed while sheltering in a hut. In 2002, 10 people were struck and killed by lightning during a church service in Chitungwiza, while more than 60 others had to be hospitalised with various degrees of burns.