Janet Ogundepo Following the weather forecast of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, public health specialists have advised Nigerians, particularly pregnant women and children, to avoid being outdoors during heavy downpours to avoid life-threatening accidents. They emphasised that this precaution is necessary to prevent accidental slips when wading through flooded areas and wet floors, as well as to avoid exposure to the cold. In separate interviews with PUNCH Healthwise, physicians also warned individuals against walking barefoot and holding electrical objects during thunderstorms or lightning.
Since April, NiMet has predicted multiple thunderstorms and lightning across the country. In May, the agency in its forecast noted stated for about eight to 15 days lightning is expected to occur more than twice. A report by a non-governmental organisation, Nigeria Lightning Safety and Research, stated that 2.
4 million thunderstrikes were expected in April 2023, with more expected throughout the year. A study, “Lightning accidents in Nigeria: With special attention to aviation mishaps,” by Sani Buba et al, noted that Africa has the highest lightning hotspot with Nigeria having a high lightning density. Although the researchers noted that there was a paucity of data and reportage of lightning-related deaths in Nigeria, it estimates the figure to be 500 fatalities per year.
Recently, the Lagos State Public Relations Officer, SP Benjami.
