One killed in lightning strike, Met Dept warns of more showers

One person was killed and two others injured when lightning struck them while working in a paddy field in the Nawagattegama area of the Puttalam district, Police said.

The incident occurred on Sunday evening in the Kirimetiyawa area.

The deceased was working as a Coast guard and was working in his paddy field with his wife who was also struck by lightening. The other person injured was another woman from the neighbourhood working in the field.

They were all rushed to Galgamuwa hospital, but the man was pronounced dead. He was identified as Kumara Wanninayaka, 39.

The incident was repot amidst a fresh warning from the Meteorological Department of the possibility of lightning during thundershowers.

The Department also warned that  showers or thundershowers will occur at most places in the island after 2.00 p.m today.

 Heavy showers about 100 mm can be expected at some places in Southern, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces.

Showers will occur particularly in the coastal areas of Northern, Eastern and Southern provinces during the morning too.

Misty condition can be expected in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Uva and Central provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the morning, the Department added.

By Karuwalagaswewa Jayaratna Wickremaarachchi