The Ekiti State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has advised residents to remain calm and take necessary precautions following predictions of thunderstorms in parts of the state by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NIMET.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Erelu Tosin Ajisafe-Aluko and made available to newsmen in Ado Ekiti.
Erelu Ajisafe-Aluko who described thunderstorms as natural occurrence, acknowledged the potential dangers associated with it.
He urged residents to remain calm and take necessary precautions to minimize any potential risks associated with the phenomenon
Precautionary measures recommended by the Ministry include: seeking shelter indoors and waiting for the storm to outside; maintaining distance from windows and reflective surfaces, avoiding open flames and gas during thunderstorms; and maintaining safe posture and avoiding using mobile phones during thunderstorms as metal can attract lightning.
The Ministry also cautioned residents to minimize electrical hazards by turning off and unplugging electrical appliances to avoid damage from power surges as well as keeping a safe distance from electric wires, poles, and other conductors.
The statement further assured the residents that if the above precautionary measures are followed religiously, the state stands the chance of recording few or no casualties from the natural occurrence this year.
