Curious phenomena from around the world
Picó and Freixes Weather surprises us this week with a series of curious phenomena related to lightning and other atmospheric events. These events, which you probably did not know about, have been captured in very interesting videos that are worth watching.
Curiosities about lightning
Around 16 million storms form on our planet every year. One of the most impressive areas is the town of Kifuka, located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, near the border with Tanzania. There, approximately 158 electrical discharges are recorded per square kilometer per year, making this place the area with the highest number of lightning strikes in the world. Some mounds in the area are even permanently burned due to the frequency of impacts.
Skyscrapers are also prone to being struck by lightning. For example, the Empire State Building in New York is impacted by about 23 shocks annually. However, the Collserola tower, located in Barcelona, is not far behind. During a storm in August 2005, this building was struck by 8 lightning bolts.
surprising cases
Virginia State Forester Roy Sullivan was known as the “human lightning rod.” Throughout his life, he was struck by 7 lightning bolts, challenging the belief that lightning does not strike twice in the same place. Additionally, the first photograph of lightning captured by William Jennings in 1882 is shown.
Risks and consequences
Being struck by lightning can have serious consequences. In France, each year between 15 and 20 people lose their lives due to lightning, while in the United States this number rises to 60. The greatest risk for affected people is suffering from cardiovascular arrest. However, immediate cardiac and respiratory resuscitation has been shown to be lifesaving. Although 80% of people affected by lightning survive, 75% suffer burns and neurological, auditory, vascular, lung or eye injuries.
There are surprising cases, such as that of a man who was blinded and deaf after an accident, but regained his sight and hearing after being struck by lightning. Furthermore, every year in Switzerland, around 1,000 head of cattle are struck down by lightning.
Disasters caused by lightning
Throughout history, there have been cases of catastrophes caused by lightning. In 1856, in Greece, lightning struck a gunpowder depot, killing 400 people. In 1927, in the United States, an ammunition depot exploded after being struck by lightning, killing 30 people.
The Time of Picó and Freixes continues
Alfred Rodríguez Picó and Xavi Freixes will continue presenting the weather forecast on ElNacional.cat next Thursday, May 2. Don’t miss the latest news about storms and rain that they will discuss on their program.