Some of the lightning survivors

Police have released the identities of the victims of Saturday’s tragic lightning strike at Palabek Refugee Settlement in Lamwo District.

The incident, which occurred around 5:30 p.m., 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 Program (WFP) food distribution center in Zone 8, Block 2, when the lightning struck.

Among the female victims identified are:

• Nyamaet Thiluak, 17, Block 4, Area 8

• Nyachot Mawichnyuon, 17, Block 1, Area 8

• Nyakueh Gatgueng, 15, Block 1, Area 8

• Nyagai Diew, 9, Block 2, Zone 8

• Tany Tai, 12 years old, Block 2, Zone 8

• Nyathak Mariner, 12, Block 2, Zone 8

The male victims identified 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, president of Palabek Refugee Protection Council III, said some of the dead and injured were rehearsing for a children’s choir at a nearby unfinished church in Block 2, Area 8. Others had been playing soccer when the rain began, causing them to seek shelter at the food distribution point before lightning strikes.

In response to the tragedy, the management of the refugee settlement and the local administration of Lamwo District called for the immediate installation of lightning rods on key structures in the settlement. Udo stressed the importance of equipping all buildings in the area with lightning rods to protect both the refugees and the staff working there.

Williams Komakech, the resident district commissioner of Lamwo, directed all humanitarian partners in the settlement to expedite the installation of lightning protection systems to prevent future incidents. He noted that lightning strikes were a recurring problem in the settlement, requiring coordinated efforts for prevention.

Komakech urged building owners and managers to work with qualified electrical professionals to properly install and maintain lightning rods.

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, chairman of Palabek Ogili sub-county, which hosts the refugees, expressed deep shock and grief.

“Our hearts go out to the families affected by this tragedy,” Omal said. “We will do everything we can to support you during this difficult time.”

The victims were buried on Sunday in Block 4, Zone A. Of the 34 injured, six remain hospitalized at Paluda Health Center III, while 28 have been discharged.