The rays are one of the most powerful weather phenomena that occur in nature. They are formed by an electrical discharge originating in the clouds during storms and have a considerable destructive capacity. They are strong enough to split trees, start fires and, sadly, are also capable of causing the death of animals and people. Lightning manifests itself with an instant flash illuminating the sky, followed by a thunderous sound known as thunder, resulting from the sudden heating of the air in its surroundings. This flash, which we call flash of lightningThe flash and the noise that follows are side effects that accompany the electrical discharge. These electrical discharges occur in various ways. They can happen within a cloud, between several clouds, or between a cloud and the ground. Sometimes, the reverse phenomenon occurs: lightning traveling from the ground to a cloud or between a cloud and the atmosphere. Lightning can also take different forms. Variants such as the forked ray, which has an irregular trajectory, the great flash that fills the sky, called flash of lightning, and the curious spark, a bright ball floating in the atmosphere, whose scientific explanation is still under investigation.
Consequences of lightning on nature and human life
Throughout history, lightning has been responsible for causing significant damage both in nature and in human societies. A lightning strike can set entire forests ablaze or destroy large buildings. The impact on human life should not be underestimated. According to studies, Approximately 30% of people struck by lightning lose their livesWhile 74% of survivors are left with permanent disabilities. Most lightning deaths occur during thunderstorm season, which varies by region but is mostly concentrated between June and August. It is important to emphasize that The danger is not exclusive to rural areas, although tall metal-framed buildings in urban areas often provide better protection for people by diverting the lightning strike to the ground. In rural areas, where such protection is less common, tall, isolated trees are more common targets for lightning. This difference in the landscape explains why people in rural areas, such as farmers or outdoor workers, are more likely to be struck.
Outdoor protective measures during a thunderstorm
During a thunderstorm, It is essential to protect yourself adequately to minimize the risk of being struck by lightning. Below, we share a series of measures that can save lives in these critical moments:
- Immediately move away from open areas such as fields or meadows. People in open spaces stick out of the ground, making them perfect targets.
- Avoid mountain tops and high altitude areas where the risk increases exponentially. If you are doing an activity at a high altitude, descend as soon as possible.
- Seek shelter in enclosed spaces, such as vehicles or roofed buildings. Vehicles act as a shelter Faraday cage, diverting the electric discharge through the bodywork towards the ground, protecting its occupants.
- Do not run during a storm or carry metal objects, such as umbrellas or walking sticks, as they can attract electric shock.
What to do if you are caught in a storm outdoors
If a thunderstorm occurs while you are outdoors and there is no possibility of finding shelter nearby:
- Stay away from tall trees and antennasThese elements act as attractive points for rays due to their height and composition.
- Squat, keeping the feet together and avoiding direct contact with the ground as much as possible. This position minimizes the risk of direct impact and the spread of the current through the body.
- Avoid contact with bodies of water (rivers, lakes, seas) and metal objects due to their electrical conductivity.
- If you are in a group of people, it is advisable to stay a few meters away to reduce the risk in case lightning strikes the area.
How to protect yourself at home during a thunderstorm
Although the home is a safe haven during a thunderstorm, there is still a risk of suffering consequences from lightning:
- Avoid any contact with water systems, such as showers or sinks, as electricity can travel through pipes.
- Unplug appliances and avoid using electrically connected electronic equipment, such as landline telephones, as lightning can travel through electrical wiring.
- Protect windows and doors by closing them completely to prevent air circulation that could attract a discharge.
- Stay away from concrete walls or floors, as they may contain wires or metal bars that conduct lightning electricity.
The car: A safe place during a storm
As we have already mentioned, A car acts as a Faraday cage, protecting the people inside. When we find ourselves in a car in the middle of a storm:
- It is essential to close all windows and make sure not to touch any metal parts of the vehicle.
- Park your car in a safe area, away from tall trees or areas prone to flooding.
- Disconnect all electronic devices in the car, including the radio and air conditioning, to avoid possible electrical anomalies.
First aid for a lightning strike
In the unfortunate event that someone is struck by lightning:
- Check that the person is conscious and breathing normally. If not, call emergency services immediately.
- If not breathing, begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and perform chest compressions if necessary.
- In case of burns, pay special attention to the entry and exit areas of the electric discharge, where there could be severe damage to the skin.
- Keep the victim warm while waiting for emergency services to arrive.
It is important to remember that, despite the severity of the impact, it is possible to save people who have been struck by lightning with prompt medical intervention. By being well informed and taking the necessary precautions, we can considerably reduce the risks posed by lightning during storms. However, the best protection will always be prevention with measures such as taking shelter in safe places and avoiding exposing oneself to situations that increase the danger.