Lightning strike It is a type of lightning, a powerful electrical phenomenon that occurs between clouds and the ground .  It may cause damage such as electric shock or power outage, and may even result in casualties. The frequency of lightning occurrences is increasing due to rising global temperatures, so it is important to know how to respond and be prepared .

Table of Contents

• Lightning meaning and occurrence principle
• What are the characteristics of areas with high lightning damage?
• Types of electric shock caused by lightning
• Lightning strike response tips

Lightning meaning and occurrence principle

What is lightning ? It is an electrical phenomenon that occurs in the cloud zone, and refers to lightning that is connected to the ground among flashes that move within clouds, between clouds, or from clouds to the surrounding atmosphere or ground .  It occurs due to the strong electric field that occurs between clouds, and when the electric field imbalance between clouds and the ground widens, the electric charge moves rapidly. I will do it. This results in a lightning strike, during which atmospheric molecules are ionized, creating a flash of light.

Lightning most often falls on trees close to clouds, and now that there are more lightning rods on the roofs of buildings, the probability of being struck by lightning is lower. In fact, the chance of being struck by lightning in one's lifetime is extremely low, about 1 in 600,000. However, it is said that as the air becomes polluted and the temperature of the Earth rises, the probability of lightning occurring increases, so we cannot be completely reassured.

What are the characteristics of areas with high lightning damage?

Lightning occurs in clouds that are created when the atmosphere is unstable. These clouds quickly absorb the sun's heat and light from the ground, creating updrafts. As these rising air currents move to the upper atmosphere, they carry water vapor with them, and this water vapor combines with the unstable atmosphere to form rain clouds.

That is why  In hot and humid areas, rain clouds are more likely to form, which increases the probability of lightning occurring. especially This phenomenon appears more prominently in equatorial regions. India is located on a large continent and is located close to the equator, making it one of the areas where lightning occurs frequently.

Types of electric shock caused by lightning

Electrical shocks that can occur due to lightning can be broadly divided into four types.

• Direct lightning : This is a case where lightning flows directly through a person to the ground, which can cause serious injury or death due to heart attack, respiratory arrest, damage, etc.
• contact lightning : When lightning strikes an object held by a person, current flows from the object through the person to the ground. It is mainly caused by objects made of metal, golf clubs, umbrellas, etc.
• side flash  : When lightning strikes an object, such as a tree, the potential difference between the object and a nearby person breaks down the insulation in the air. A person can be killed if the brain current passes through the heart or head.
• stride voltage : This is the voltage applied between the feet of a nearby person when a lightning current flows through the ground. It is dangerous if it exceeds a certain level.

Lightning strike response tips

To safely deal with lightning strikes, you must know the following tips:

• June to August is a period when lightning occurs frequently , so be especially careful when going out.
• If lightning occurs on flat land, You must stay low and take refuge in a hollow place . You should also avoid being near tall trees.
• It is recommended to evacuate inside a building or inside a vehicle.  Buildings are safe because they are electrically grounded, and vehicles are safe because the metal exterior conducts current to the ground. However, you should avoid touching any metal parts inside the vehicle.
• When lightning occurs, Avoid touching phones, electronics, faucets, windows, etc. These objects can conduct electric current.
• If you can't come indoors from outdoors, stay low and keep your feet close together. This will reduce damage caused by stride voltage.
• Umbrellas, golf clubs, etc. when lightning strikes Do not hold metal objects. These objects help attract electric current.
• Especially if lightning strikes during outdoor activities, Stay away from water surfaces such as swimming pools, lakes, and rivers . The risk of electric shock from lightning is high in these places.

In order to safely respond to lightning strikes, it is important to be familiar with the above response tips and be prepared to respond quickly when lightning strikes. To minimize damage from lightning, it is best to follow safety rules and keep an eye on lightning forecasts to prepare in advance.