By Yang Ater
Authorities in Rumbek East County said a thunder strike has killed an SSPDF soldier and injured two other people following heavy rainfall in the area.
The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon in Maborduang Village, according to county officials.
Speaking to the Number One Citizen Daily Newspaper on Friday, Zechariah Malual Anyuon confirmed that the lightning strike killed one soldier from the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces and left two others injured.
“It happened last year in the area of Akot and again this year in the same part of Rumbek East County,” the commissioner said.
He urged residents to remain vigilant during heavy rains and thunderstorms, advising people to seek shelter and avoid unnecessary movement during storms.
The commissioner also encouraged residents to switch off mobile phones during intense lightning storms, saying it could help reduce risks, although experts generally advise seeking safe shelter as the most effective protection during thunderstorms.
A relative of the victims, Mabor Dhieu Majuac, said the lightning struck a family home, killing one person while two others survived with injuries.
“The lightning strike burned the whole tukul and destroyed property. Only a few items were left unburnt,” he said.
According to Mabor, a woman and a child survived the incident and are recovering from injuries sustained during the strike.