Inp.polri.go.id -  Garut. A joint search and rescue (SAR) team has evacuated the body of a mountain climber who was fatally struck by lightning while climbing Mount Cikuray in Cilawu district, Garut regency, West Java. "The victim's body has been taken to Dr Slamet Regional Hospital for further arrangements," said Daris Hilman, the Head of the Emergency and Logistics Division at the Garut Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), on Sunday (24/2/2024). The incident occurred when a 22-year-old man, identified as Akbar, a resident of Lebak Regency, Banten, was struck by lightning while climbing Mount Cikuray. Akbar and  his five companions began climbing to the summit of Mount Cikuray at around 2.30pm on Saturday. When it started to rain, they took shelter under a tree and put up a tarpaulin for protection. "The victim was struck by lightning and two of his companions nearby were thrown," Hilman explained. Cilawu Sub-regional Police Chief M. Duhr urged the public, especially hikers, not to seek shelter under trees during heavy rain to avoid the risk of lightning strikes, antaranews.com reported. "We urge hikers and all community members not to seek shelter under trees during heavy rain, as it poses a risk of being struck by lightning," he said. (mg/inp/pr/nm)