75 people killed by lightning by October

Cambodia communication　No.23/81
November 10th 

According to the Khmer Times, in the 10 months from January to October 2023, there were more than 130 lightning strikes in Cambodia, killing 75 people.

According to the National Disaster Management Committee, there were 133 lightning strikes in 16 states between January and October. Lightning strikes killed 75 people and injured 58 others. It is said that 97 livestock were killed.

By province, Battambang province had the most lightning strikes with 17, resulting in nine deaths and three injuries. Kratie province followed with 15 cases, with 8 deaths and 17 injuries. In Kampong Thom province, there were 12 cases, nine deaths and eight injuries. There was also one case in Phnom Penh, with one death.

According to the commission, the provinces most affected by the storm were Odomienchey, Banteay Meanchey, Battambang and Kampong Speu.

The Cambodian government has designated October 13th as National Disaster Prevention Day. Prime Minister Hun Manet said, “Disaster management remains the government’s top priority.”