Lightning strikes post in Ilocos Norte, damages CCTV cameras and causes power loss

Electronic devices such as CCTV cameras can attract lightning according to PAGASA on Thursday as the state weather bureau explained why lightning struck an electric post in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte.

According to GMA Regional TV One North Central Luzon’s Russel Simorio’s 24 Oras report, a dash camera video caught lightning striking an electric post along a road in Barangay Naglicuan.

The incident caused a power outage and damaged the CCTV cameras attached to the affected utility pole. 

Fortunately, no one was hurt in the incident.

“Kung bakit natatamaan ‘yang CCTV dahil nasa taas siya, naka-intact sa puno na mataas kasi ang kidlat attracted sa matataas. Medyo makintab siya at mayroon siyang electronic device na nakaka-attract sa kidlat,” said PAGASA Dagupan Station Chief Meteorological Officer Jose Estrada Jr. 

(The CCTV cameras were hit because they were placed on the highest portion of the electricity pole. These were shiny and had electronic devices that attract lightning.)

To prevent similar occurrences, Estrada recommended installing lightning arresters on electricity poles that have CCTV cameras.—Sundy Locus/RF, GMA Integrated News