Abu Dhabi: A camel herder died after he was struck by lightning in Al Ain while talking on the phone, Abu Dhabi police reported late on Friday.
The six camels accompanying the caretaker also died after they were also hit by the powerful lightning bolt, the police said.
Colonel Mohammed Ibrahim Al Ameri, Director of Emergency and Public Safety Department at Abu Dhabi Police, said they received a call about an person hit by lighning during a thunderstorm.
An ambulance was immediately dispatched to the location in Qashaba in Al Ain. Initial examination by paramedics revealed the victim, an Asian man, died immediately as a result of the lightning strike. Six camels he was accompanying were also killed.
Al Ameri advised people to take the utmost precaution from lightning, and urged them to monitor weather reports in order to learn about any forthcoming storms.
He said that in cases of thunderstorms, people should immediately seek shelter in a nearby building, or their cars or homes. He added that people should refrain from standing under trees or in open areas.
Al Ameri also pointed out the importance of installing lightning rods on the roofs of buildings and cars. He said that people should also refrain from standing near utility poles while using the phone, and avoid elevated places.
Al Ameri added that farm owners must inform workers about safety guidelines and warn them about using cell phones during thunderstorms.
The National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) has warned against a chance of showers, fog formation and poor visibility in some coastal and internal areas, especially to the west by late night on Thursday or early Friday morning.
