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Why lightning survivors are buried in Ethiopia

A community in eastern Ethiopia buried twelve lightning survivors up to their necks and also poured milk on them to fulfill a local ritual. Per BBC, the lightning on Sunday happened in the town of Melka Bello.

“It was not heavy rain as such,” one of the survivors, Nesro Abdi, said. “The lightning struck a sheep at the door while we were inside a house. All of us fell. Many of us were shaking.”

The survivors were ultimately helped by other locals after they heard screams. “They brought milk and poured it on us. They dug up the ground and buried our bodies below our necks,” Nesro said.

The practice of burying lightning survivors is observed in the Horn of Africa nation’s Oromia region. It is largely believed that the health of lightning survivors would be restored if they’re buried in soil and either made to drink milk or milk is poured on them, BBC reported.

People also celebrate when lightning strikes as they do not want to anger the Almighty. Lightning is regarded as a Godly act. “As I couldn’t move my legs before, people had to carry me and put me in the soil,” Nesro said. “But when we got out of the soil, everyone was feeling better. I am moving well now.”

But environmental physics researcher at Haramaya University, Haftu Birhane, told the news outlet that these rituals are not scientifically proven and sent a word of caution against such practices.

“What science advises is to take [survivors] to the nearest health facilities,” Birhane explained.

 

Source: Face2faceafrica

Ogyem Solomon

Solomon Ogyem – Media Entrepreneur | Journalist | Brand Ambassador Solomon Ogyem is a dynamic Ghanaian journalist and media entrepreneur currently based in South Africa. With a solid foundation in journalism, Solomon is a graduate of the OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies in Ghana and Oxbridge Academy in South Africa. He began his career as a reporter at OTEC 102.9 MHz in Kumasi, where he honed his skills in news reporting, community storytelling, and radio broadcasting. His passion for storytelling and dedication to the media industry led him to establish Press MltiMedia Company in South Africa—a growing platform committed to authentic African narratives and multimedia journalism. Solomon is the founder and owner of Thepressradio.com, a news portal focused on delivering credible, timely, and engaging stories across Ghana and Africa. He also owns Press Global Tickets, a service-driven venture in the travel and logistics space, providing reliable ticketing services. He previously owned two notable websites—Ghanaweb.mobi and ShowbizAfrica.net—both of which contributed to entertainment and socio-political discussions within Ghana’s digital space. With a diverse background in media, digital journalism, and business, Solomon Ogyem is dedicated to telling impactful African stories, empowering youth through media, and building cross-continental media partnerships.

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