Govt sounds two-day lightning alert in Jharkhand

Ranchi: The state disaster management department on Friday issued an alert of heavy lighting for the next two days starting Saturday. The alert was issued to minimise loss of life and property after Bihar recently recorded a large number of casualties and loss of property due to lightning strikes last month.
Talking to TOI, state disaster management minister Banna Gupta said, “We have directed the deputy commissioners and disaster management officers of all the 24 districts to be alert at all times and keep necessary arrangements in place in view of the forecast.”
Meanwhile, the department also issued an advisory on Friday evening about the do’s and dont’s during a lightning strike and asked people to be aware and follow the advisory during the strike.The advisory mentions, “People staying indoors are asked to avoid using any electrical appliance during lighting and to avoid venturing on terrace using metal ropes for drying clothes as it can act as conductor for the lighting.”
It further added, “For people who find themselves outdoors during the strike, it is advised to avoid standing in groups and to immediately take shelter in a pucca building.” For people travelling in vehicles during the strike, they were advised to remain inside the vehicle and to not venture out.
The advisory also asked farmers to search for a safe shelter and avoid waterbodies during the strike. “In case a person gets electrocuted during the lightning, it has been advised to give him CPR and to contact the circle officer immediately for assistance,” the advisory read.