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When lightning struck the Island of Kanditheemu in North Miladhunmadulu Atoll on the morning of 5th April, mercifully this time no one has labeled it a divine punishment. The twister observed the same morning in Hulhule (see picture above) also escaped the label. Lightning, tsunamis and earth quakes are often attributed to a punishment from God, not just in the Maldives but also in Western countries like the UK and the US. This is perhaps because of the sudden onset of unforeseen destruction.
Lightning is a particularly favorite for this type of labeling. This could be because it has a way of pinpointing individuals instead of a large population. In the Maldives lightning strikes are often labeled as punishment for false oaths and misappropriation of property belonging to others.
It is remarkable that more than 200 years after the scientific discovery of the explanation behind lightening and Benjamin Franklin’s invention of the lightning conductor, people should still continue with their age old superstitions.
Dhiraagu must be happy that in this particular instance no such negative association was made. After all, it was the Dhiraagu antenna that was the prime target of the strike. Other installations struck were the cable TV and electric supply. They could also consider themselves lucky to escape the blame
