TULUNAN, North Cotabato — A woman miraculously survived after being struck by lightning while working in a rice field in Barangay Damawato amid severe weather conditions, authorities confirmed.
Initial reports said the victim was in the middle of a palayan when a sudden lightning strike hit the area, directly injuring her. The incident occurred at the height of a thunderstorm that brought intense lightning activity across parts of the municipality.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene shortly after the incident. The woman was immediately transported to the nearest hospital, where she received urgent medical attention.
Latest updates from attending medical personnel indicate that the victim is now in stable condition, though she remains under close observation to monitor any delayed complications commonly associated with lightning strikes, such as internal injuries or neurological effects.
Authorities have yet to release the identity of the victim as verification and further investigation are ongoing.
The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of Tulunan emphasized that the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by thunderstorms, particularly in open areas such as rice fields.
Public Safety Reminders During Lightning and Thunderstorms:
- Avoid staying in open fields, elevated areas, or near isolated trees during a thunderstorm.
- Seek shelter immediately in sturdy buildings or enclosed vehicles when lightning is present.
- Stay away from metal objects, farming tools, and bodies of water, which can conduct electricity.
- If caught outdoors, crouch low with minimal contact with the ground—do not lie flat.
- Monitor weather updates and heed advisories from local authorities.
Local officials continue to urge residents, especially farmers and outdoor workers, to remain vigilant and prioritize safety as unstable weather conditions persist in parts of Mindanao.