Chinese engineers have begun installing lightning rods in 650 primary and secondary schools in underdeveloped areas to prevent casualty and economic loss in schools, as part of a national disaster reduction effort.

The work is expected to be completed at the end of the year in 14 provincial areas, including Chongqing, Sichuan, Fujian, Guangxi and Guizhou, according to the China Meteorological Administration (CMA).

Lightning, which frequently occurs in China during summer, is a great threat to people's life and property. CMA statistics showed lightning left more than 400 people dead in the first seven months of 2007 alone. New statistics are yet to be available.

According the Ministry of Education regulations, school buildings should be equipped with lightning protection devices. But some schools, due to lack of lightning protection awareness or stringent financial conditions, have failed to follow the rules.

(Xinhua News Agency July 7, 2008)