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Cambodia's death toll by lightning increases to 13

2010-04-26 16:47 BJT

PHNOM PENH, April 26 (Xinhua) -- At least 13 Cambodians have so far died by lightning since the first early rain that dropped last month, a government official said Monday.

Keo Vy, communication officer of National Committee of Disaster Management said, to date, including the latest victims by lightning that occurred last Friday in Kompong Cham province, the death toll is 13.

Early last week, six people have died by lightning in Pursat province alone.

Pursat province, located about 200 kilometers northwest of Phnom Penh, while Kompong Cham is located in northeast of Phnom Penh.

Last weekend, Prime Minister Hun Sen called on Cambodian people across the nation to be cautious about lightning, saying the lightning seems fiercer in recent years.

Lightning which occurs every year in Cambodia, normally starts in rainy season which begins from May through October.

Last year, 108 Cambodians died by lightning, an increase of 23 deaths if compared to 2008 that recorded only 85.

Editor: Zhang Ning | Source: Xinhua