Police identify 14 refugees killed by lightning strike in Lamwo
by URN · The ObserverThe police have released the identities of the victims from Saturday's tragic lightning strike at the Palabek Refugee Settlement in Lamwo district.
The incident, which occurred around 5:30 pm, claimed the lives of 14 South Sudanese refugees, including 12 children and 2 adults, and left 34 others injured. The victims were reportedly seeking shelter from the rain at a World Food Programme (WFP) food distribution centre in Zone 8, Block 2, when the lightning struck.
Among the identified female victims are:
• Nyamaet Thiluak, 17, Block 4, Zone 8
• Nyachot Mawichnyuon, 17, Block 1, Zone 8
• Nyakueh Gatgueng, 15, Block 1, Zone 8
• Nyagai Diew, 9, Block 2, Zone 8
• Tany Tai, 12, Block 2, Zone 8
• Nyathak Mariner, 12, Block 2, Zone 8
The identified male victims include:
• Chaar Tot, 18, Block 1, Zone 8
• Madol Wigjang, 21, Block 3, Zone 8
• Jima Gat Tiok, 14, Block 2, Zone 8
• Tidial Gatluak, 16, Block 2, Zone 8
• Chop Matai Chop, 15, Block 2, Zone 8
• John Lul Riek, 14, Block 2, Zone 8
• Khamis Tut, 14, Block 1, Zone 8
• Tura Betu, 14, Block 3, Zone 8
John Pasquale Udo, chairperson of Refugee Welfare Council III at Palabek, stated that some of the deceased and injured were rehearsing for a children's choir practice at a nearby unfinished church in Block 2, Zone 8. Others had been playing football when the rain began, prompting them to seek shelter at the food distribution point before the lightning struck.
In response to the tragedy, the leadership of the refugee settlement and the Lamwo District local government called for the immediate installation of lightning arresters on key structures within the settlement. Udo stressed the importance of equipping all buildings in the area with lightning arresters to safeguard both the refugees and staff working there.
Williams Komakech, Lamwo's resident district commissioner, directed all humanitarian partners within the settlement to expedite the installation of lightning protection systems to prevent future incidents. He noted that lightning strikes have been a recurring issue in the settlement, necessitating coordinated efforts for prevention.
Komakech urged building owners and managers to collaborate with qualified electrical professionals for proper installation and maintenance of lightning arresters.
Since the establishment of Palabek Refugee Settlement in 2017, the area has experienced three major lightning incidents, resulting in 15 deaths and 36 injuries.
Christopher Omal, chairperson of Palabek Ogili sub-county, which hosts the refugees, expressed profound shock and grief.
“Our hearts go out to the families affected by this tragedy,” Omal said. “We will do everything possible to support them during this difficult time.”
The victims were laid to rest on Sunday in Block 4, Zone A. Of the 34 injured, six remain hospitalized at Paluda Health Centre III, while 28 have been discharged.