A tragic incident unfolded at a refugee camp in Palabek, Uganda, where a lightning strike during a church service claimed the lives of 13 children and one adult, as confirmed by local police authorities.
The devastating strike occurred on Saturday evening, leaving another 34 individuals injured amidst the backdrop of recent heavy rains and thunderstorms that have swept the region.
Kituuma Rusoke, a spokesperson for Uganda Police, reported that the adult victim was a 21-year-old, although specific ages of the children who perished have not been disclosed.
The Palabek Refugee Settlement, which houses over 80,000 refugees and asylum seekers, primarily consists of individuals fleeing the ongoing conflict in South Sudan.
This tragic event is not an isolated one , four years prior, a similar lightning strike in the city of Arua resulted in the deaths of 10 children who were enjoying a football game.
The community is now grappling with the loss of young lives, underscoring the vulnerability of refugee populations, especially during adverse weather conditions that can easily escalate into deadly incidents.
Local authorities are likely to increase safety measures and awareness regarding lightning strikes in a region that is no stranger to severe weather phenomena.
In addition to the physical injuries sustained, the psychological impact on the survivors, especially the family and friends of the victims, will be profound and might require long-term support.
SOURCE : NEWSREPORTZIM.COM
