Student killed by lightning strike as storms lash country

The rainstorm in Fujairah lasted for about 40 minutes flooding the streets in the Emirate yesterday afternoon

FUJAIRAH // A teenage girl died after being struck by lightning yesterday and residents were urged to stay indoors as severe storms battered much of the country.

The 19-year-old Emirati foundation student had been walking with a friend in the grounds of Fujairah women's college when the lightning struck. She was dead on arrival at Fujairah Hospital.

"From our initial information she was dead by lightning," said Obaid Al Khadeem, the hospital director. "There were two girls walking on campus, one was dead and the other one was OK."

A female security guard who witnessed the tragedy is being treated for shock. Just before the lightning strike she had urged the two girls to shelter indoors, and afterwards she brought the surviving student to safety as teachers tried in vain to resuscitate the victim.

Some of the other 1,800 students at the college, part of the Higher Colleges of Technology, also had to be treated for shock. College officials will meet this morning to discuss how to provide emotional support for those who are worst affected.

"Everything was going crazy," said Khawala Ali, an education student. "We were studying in the library and the books fell down, all of them. At first I was excited because of the rain, we love that time, but then I was scared, I wanted to go home."

Electricity was turned off and students gathered to wait for buses, she said.

Farah, a foundation student from Bithnah, said many students panicked. "We were all very scared and we couldn't even get out.

"The teachers were running from place to place because there were so many girls who fell."

The rainstorm began in Fujairah shortly after 2pm and lasted for about 40 minutes. There were hailstorms in villages across Fujairah and as far north as Dibba, where it rained for two hours. There were no reports of injuries in Ras Al Khaimah.

In Fujairah, the municipality general manager Mohamed Al Afkham said: "What we have been telling people is to please stay away and stay inside."

Mr Al Afkham said: "All the wadis have been running with the very heavy rain, so be careful, just take care and don't use your mobile in the rain.

"We don't have rain often and people react in a funny way when it rains. They go to see the wadis but people must stay inside until things calm down and then you can go and look. Please help us to help you."

The National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) in Abu Dhabi also recorded rain in Sweihan, midway between Abu Dhabi city and Al Ain.

The extreme weather was caused by warm, humid air from the south eastern region meeting a cold air mass, causing clouds to form south of Hatta, according to NCMS.

"We have issued warnings to residents telling them to be cautious because of the populated valleys being affected by rain," a spokesman said.

Thick clouds have gathered over Dubai city from the eastern region, and are extending towards Al Ain and Abu Dhabi.

"These kind of clouds cause down drafts and fast winds," the spokesman said.

Fujairah International Airport recorded the highest rainfall at 22.9mm, followed by Falaj Al Muallah in the central eastern region.

Warnings have been issued to Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Sharjah International airports, and to the residents of the mountainous eastern region.

Flights so far have not been delayed in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

Commuters are also advised to be aware of the poor visibility.

But for most families in Fujairah, unaware of the tragedy at the women's college, the rain was the perfect excuse to be outside.

"This is great! Everyone is out and walking enjoying the refreshing rain," said Aisha Ali, 45, who was out and about with her family.

"It is more dangerous in the wadis. Inside Fujairah itself and Dibba, it just the roads and roundabouts that are flooded. Our homes are safe."

Fujairah residents also reported that the strong winds brought with it some hail and "delicious bits of ice".

"This is fun! We love it, we are lucky in Fujairah," said Ahmed Al Yammahi, 27, who was in his 4 x 4 with his brothers.

* Additional reporting by Awad Mustafa and Rym Ghazal