Two Continuous Lightning Strikes in Kon Tum: 1 person Died, 7 were Injured

Within just two days in mid-April, Kon Tum Province witnessed two serious lightning strike incidents in Ngoc Hoi and Tu Mo Rong districts, 1 person died, 6 were injured. The incidents occurred during unusual thunderstorms, strong winds and hail.

7 people were struck by lightning while sheltering from the hut.

Within just two days in mid-April, Kon Tum Province witnessed two serious lightning strike incidents in Ngoc Hoi and Tu Mo Rong districts, 1 person died, 6 were injured. The incidents occurred during unusual thunderstorms, strong winds and hail.

On the afternoon of April 14, seven residents from Ta Poc Village, Dak Nong Commune (Ngoc Hoi District), including Y Duon (34), Y Thia (40), Y La (32), Y Thia (46), Un Hung (40), Un Tham (40), and Un Thu (34), at around 3:00 PM, while working at the field, they suddenly met heavy rain with thunderstorms and hail. This group of people quickly ran into a nearby hut to shelter the rain.

However, while at the shelter, a lightning strike suddenly hit the hut, causing Ms. Y Dang to die on the spot. The remaining six people were injured by the influence of the lightning case. Immediately after the incident, the victims were taken to the Ngoc Hoi District General Hospital for emergency treatment. By the morning of April 15, four of the six injured people were discharged from the hospital, the other two continued to be monitored and treated in the disease.
 
 

the victims were taken to the Ngoc Hoi District General Hospital for emergency treatment.

The Dak Nong Commune People's Committee promptly visited the affected families and provided financial support: VND 2 million to the family of the deceased and VND 3 million in total to the injured individuals.

Man struck by lightning while indoors

Just two days later, at around 2:30 p.m. on April 16, 2025, another lightning strike occurred in Dak Sao commune, Tu Mo Rong district. At this time, Mr. A Lang's family (living in Kach Nho village) was living in the house when lightning suddenly struck through the roof, hitting Mr. A Lang in the head, causing him to be injured and bleeding.

He was taken to the local health station for first aid by his relatives, then transferred to Dak To District Medical Center and Kon Tum Provincial General Hospital for treatment. The commune authorities visited and supported his family with treatment costs.

Mr. A Lang is receiving medical care at the clinic.

Two continuous lightning strikes in Kon Tum are a warning bell about the danger of extreme weather during the thunderstorm season in the central highlands. People need to proactively monitor weather forecasts, avoid taking shelter from the rain under unsafe areas such as large trees, temporary huts, or metal-roofed structures, and need to be further educated about effective lightning prevention measures.

compiled from youth newspaper here

Lightning Safety Recommendations from Experts

According to lightning protection and electrical safety experts, residents are advised to follow these guidelines to minimize lightning risks:

• Do not seek shelter under large trees, temporary huts, or metal-roofed structures during thunderstorms.
• If caught in the open, immediately find a safe shelter, such as a well-constructed house equipped with a certified lightning protection system. Avoid crouching low or using mobile phones during lightning activity.
• Indoors, unplug unnecessary electrical devices, stay away from doors and windows, and avoid contact with water taps, kitchen surfaces, or metallic objects.
• In rural or high-risk areas, it is highly recommended to install direct lightning protection systems (such as lightning rods), grounding systems, and surge protection devices (SPDs) to safeguard lives and property.

In addition, local authorities and relevant agencies should strengthen public education on lightning safety, lightning news, especially as the rainy and storm season approaches.