SUAL, Pangasinan—A woman died after she was struck by lightning while feeding milkfish in a fish cage in Barangay Baquioen here on Sunday.
SPO1 Jonathan Cuajao, chief investigator of Sual police station, in an interview with Philippine News Agency (PNA) Monday, identified the victim as Jonaly Damalen, 25, of Barangay Baybay Norte this town.
Cuajao said the victim was at her workplace with her brother Jaylord Damalen in Argin Aqua Farm, situated in the coastal area of Barangay Baquioen, feeding the milkfish when a lightning directly hit her head.
“She has a wound in her head and her body was somewhat darkened, signs left by the lightning that struck her,” Cuajao said.
He said the Sual Rescue Personnel brought the victim to Western Pangasinan District Hospital in Alaminos City but doctors declared her dead on arrival.
This was the second time this year that a resident in the town was struck by lightning, while there are four incidents recorded last year.
“Some of the victims have survived, however, some have also died just like Damalen,” Cuajao.
Cuajao urged the residents, particularly those who work at the fish cages, to avoid the open areas during thunderstorms.
“They better find a safe place when the rain is pouring hard and they see lightning. It is better for them to just go back to their work after the rain and lightning are over,” Cuajao said. (PNA)
