Health Ministry calls for preparedness to be safe from lightning

The Ministry of Health and Population has urged health institutions and authorities concerned across the country to be prepared for the proper management of lightning injuries and being safe from lightning.

A statement issued today by the spokesperson for the Ministry Dr Prakash Budhathoki called for the proper management of making health institutions and equipment lightning-resilient. “Since the management and symptoms of the injuries caused by lightning differ from that caused by electric disasters, we urge the proper management of lightning related injuries,” read the statement.
According to data with the Ministry, the total 187 incidents of lightning occurred from 5 June to 16 October, 2022, killing 60 people and injuring 157 others.

“Last year, lightning incidents came first in terms of deaths caused by natural disasters, and first in terms of injuries. The number of lightning incidents has increased this year. Preparedness is essential for the protection of health institutions from lightning and for the proper management of lightning-caused injuries,” said the statement.