Cambodia: Where Lightning Strikes More than Twice - Part 2

Another lightning strike casualty on 11th August - a boy in Pursat Province tending his buffalo - takes my previously blogged figure of 59 deaths in May 2011 to 125 deaths for August so far.

A dramatic number for a country with a population estimated at 15 million when compared to
Vietnam's 87 million people and 100 deaths annually.

The incredibly high figure is due to the fact that Cambodia is situated - unfortunately - where most of the world's thunderstorms come to pass. (Southeast Asia Globe - August 2011)
Those, like the young boy working his buffalo, are the most vulnerable on Cambodia's open flooded plains during the rainy season.

125 deaths already surpasses last years total of 114 and, is rapidly heading towards the 2009 total of 140.

It's 4.30pm - the screams outside continue. Everyone runs for cover as the dull hum of distant rain approaches carrying the fearful crackle of lightning!