Lightning kills 2 children in Bentiu

October 11, 2013 (BENTIU) – Two children were killed after being struck by lightning on Thursday during a heavy downpour in Bentiu.

Unity police spokesperson, Hussein Girich Yambio, told Sudan Tribune on Friday that the children were playing inside their house when they were hit. Both their parents were not at home at the time if the incident.

Yambio identified the dead as a six-year-old boy and his nine-year-old sister. Both were children of a Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) soldier based in Unity state.

He said the police Unity state had sent its condolences to the bereaved family.

The heavy rain sparked panic in Bentiu, amid fears that it could cause flooding leading to the displacement of thousands of residents.

Daresalam, Block 70, Kuerbuokni, Nyuenypiu and Kuerlonga are among the wost-affected areas in Bentiu following the recent heavy rains.

Bentiu town which lies on lowland regularly comes under threat during the rainy season when the water levels of the Nile rise dramatically.

In September, Payinjiar county was hit hard by floods, which washed away roads, making it difficult to access affected communities.

(ST)