A man died after being struck by a lightning while returning from a fishing trip yesterday afternoon.

The incident happened a few metres away from the seawall at Nasese in Suva between 3:30pm and 4pm.

The death brings the number of people who have died so far this year from lightning strikes to four.

Police spokeswoman Ana Naisoro confirmed last night that the deceased was a middle-aged i-Taukei man.

She said the deceased and a friend were returning in a boat when lightning struck.

"The man was rushed to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital but he died while his friend escaped injuries."

Ms Naisoro said it was the second fatality within the past 48 hours involving lightning strikes.

On Friday afternoon, five people were struck by lightning while they were under a tree in Labasa.

A 44-year old man who was among the group is in a critical condition at the Labasa Hospital.

Ms Naisoro said people should remain indoors if the weather was not good, especially during lightning.

She said the weather has been unpredictable over the past few days and people should just lie low in such conditions.

The Nadi Weather Forecasting Centre yesterday said thunderstorms and lightning would be experienced with afternoon and evening showers in the interior and eastern parts of the Fiji Group.

People living in Suva and Nausori experienced rain, thunderstorms and lightning from yesterday afternoon into last night.

A weather forecaster on duty says people should stay indoors during lightning, keep clear of windows and don't stand under a tree.

He said people should also stay clear of metal pipes and avoid using mobile phones during lightning.

He said people should also switch off their radio and television sets.

Early this year, two women died after being struck by lightning while fishing in waters off Waiqanake Village in Lami followed by the death of another woman in Nadi.

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Theme(s): Communities and Organisations.

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