THE RAINS ARE GOOD, BUT . . .

The rains have been pouring in different parts of the country.

That is supposed to be great news, and it is, but a few families will wish it had not rained after losing their loved ones.

Besides being struck by lightning, many have also drowned whilst trying to cross flooded rivers.

A few fortunate ones were rescued after being marooned in water bodies.

It is important to always remember that rains can also come with some unfortunate circumstances like lightning and flooding.

The events that happened in Chimanimani with Cyclone Idai and the flooding at Tokwe Mukosi a few years earlier still linger in the minds of many. Some of the scars of these natural disasters are still fresh and the wounds on humanity from loss of life are permanent.

But whilst most people are aware of the risks associated with floods, issues that leave one prone to lightning are less documented.

Being struck by lightning, especially under the safety of one’s own roof, is something that can easily be avoided.

The basic tips must continue to be emphasized for the safety of people - adults included - this rainy season.

Avoid being out in any open areas like fields, golf courses, or parking lots. Here you are the tallest thing around, and the easiest target. Velds and open grasslands in rural areas also put people at risk of being struck by lightning.

People should also know the importance of staying away from metal objects during rainy days. Lightning is electricity and metal is a conductor of electricity and the combination of such electricity conductors with a person, who also conducts electricity, can have disastrous consequences.

Some people - children especially - are enticed to swim while it rains, mostly after getting wet during a storm. Adults must teach children not to swim or play near water when it rains as it puts them at risk of being struck by lightning.

Children should also be told not to fly kites in the rain or take cover under tall objects like trees during a storm. They should stay away from the tallest objects in the area as much as possible and such education should be promoted at schools, homes and amongst communities to avoid lightning dangers.

It would be good for drivers to know that they can take cover in the safety of their vehicles even if the cars are the tallest objects in the stormy area and not be at risk of being struck by lightning.

Cars are very safe places to be during lightning storms. Even though they are metal and seem like perfect targets for lightning, if they are struck, the electricity will conduct through metal in the cars, and around your body, not through it, and into the ground.

In rural areas it is important to ground lightning rods or conductors near, but away from the houses or huts.