You may be familiar with the incidents and damages caused by lightning during thunderstorms, but have you ever wondered what lightning really is and how to protect yourself from it?
Meteorologists explain that lightning is a discharge of current between the atmosphere and the Earth, with household lightning typically providing 220 volts (one ampere), while atmospheric lightning can generate almost 30,000 amperes, highlighting its powerful nature.
Experts emphasize that if the time between a lightning flash and the accompanying thunder is less than 30 seconds, it indicates imminent danger, and anything directly under the lightning strike is at risk.
In Pakistan, at least 65 people have lost their lives in storm-related incidents involving lightning, with heavy rainfall in April reaching nearly double the historical average.
Intense downpours from Friday to Monday led to flash floods and house collapses, resulting in the deaths of at least 28 individuals due to lightning strikes.
The highest number of casualties occurred in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where 32 people, including 15 children, lost their lives, and over 1,300 homes were damaged.
Anwar Khan, spokesperson for the province’s disaster management authority, stated that all casualties were due to collapsing walls and roofs.
Safety precautions
Meteorologists recommend staying indoors during severe thunderstorms to avoid lightning strikes.
Since lightning can travel through metal pipes and phone lines, it is advisable to refrain from bathing or washing dishes during extreme thunderstorms, as the current can pass through metal pipes within buildings.
Furthermore, experts advise staying away from trees, fences, and poles on the road during severe thunderstorms and avoiding open areas under the sky.
It is also recommended to avoid using mobile phones during thunderstorms to minimize the risk of lightning-related accidents.
