During the first ten months of the year, the country experienced 133 lightning strikes, resulting in 75 fatalities and 58 injuries, according to data from the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM).
Soth Kimkol Mony, NCDM spokesperson, said that these strikes caused damage to 15 houses, leading to 75 fatalities, 58 injuries and the loss of 97 cattle. The provinces most affected by lightning strikes were Battambang (17), Kratie (15), Kampong Thom (12) and Siem Reap (12).
In the same period, the country witnessed 279 strong wind related events, causing the collapse of 2,002 houses, damaging 13,061 roofs of houses, schools, markets, and administrative buildings and resulting in nine deaths and 170 injuries.
To address these threats, the NCDM plans to install lightning protection equipment in high-risk areas, beginning with Siem Reap, Pursat and Battambang provinces.
The NCDM underscored the need for increased vigilance among residents in vulnerable areas and called on authorities to be well-prepared for regular responses to such incidents.
In its weather announcement on November 16, the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology warned of the extension of a high-pressure system from China and the strengthening northeast monsoon, likely bringing moderate to strong winds.
