Introduction:
With the onset of the rainy season in Vietnam, lightning strikes become a common and dangerous occurrence. Understanding the dangers and implementing effective prevention measures is crucial for personal safety.
What Happens When a Lightning Strike Occurs?
Lightning is a sudden discharge of electricity between clouds and the ground or between oppositely charged clouds. It can strike any object or location when the necessary conditions exist.
Statistics:
Globally, approximately 250,000 lightning strikes occur annually, resulting in tens of thousands of fatalities and serious injuries.
Effects of a Lightning Strike:
According to Dr. Frank LoVecchio of Banner University Medical, lightning can cause localized burns, cardiac arrest, confusion, seizures, dizziness, muscle pain, headaches, and memory loss. It can also lead to cataracts, ruptured eardrums, and permanent hearing problems.
Fatalities are often caused by immediate cardiac or respiratory arrest. "Lightning may cause the heart to stop or beat irregularly. It delivers a similar energy dose to the heart as a defibrillator," Dr. LoVecchio explains. He advises calling for emergency medical services and performing CPR if necessary.
Lightning Prevention:
Absolute Protection Not Possible:
Studies by the Institute of Geophysics indicate that Vietnam is located in the Asian Monsoon Belt, one of three global lightning hotspots, experiencing frequent and intense thunderstorms. Despite research efforts, absolute prevention of lightning strikes remains elusive.
Outdoor Precautions:**
- Stay aware of thunderstorm signs such as dark clouds, cool air, and wind.
- Estimate the distance to a lightning strike by counting the seconds between the lightning flash and the sound of thunder. Divide the number of seconds by 3 to get the distance in kilometers (e.g., 3 seconds = 1 km).
- If you feel your hair or skin tingling, squat down immediately, cover your ears, and keep your feet together. Avoid contact with the ground except for your feet. Remain in this position for 7-10 minutes after the last thunderclap.
- If the time between lightning and thunder is less than 20 seconds, seek immediate shelter.
- Avoid trees, high ground, and metal objects like bicycles, machinery, and fences. Find low-lying areas, preferably below smaller trees, and stay as close to the ground as possible. Keep your feet raised and do not lie down. Avoid standing in groups.
- Vehicles with enclosed metal shells, such as buses, trains, and cars, provide safety if you stay inside and do not touch the metal exterior. However, open vehicles or those without metal shells are dangerous.
- Wait 30 minutes after the last lightning strike before resuming normal activities.
Indoor Precautions:
- When a thunderstorm is approaching, the safest place to be is indoors. Buildings should be equipped with lightning protection systems (lightning rods).
- Stay away from windows, doors, electrical appliances, and wet areas like bathrooms and sinks.
- Avoid using telephones unless essential. Unplug electrical devices before the storm approaches.
- Stay at least 1 meter away from telephone and power lines and electrical appliances.
- Remove television antennas during thunderstorms.
- If you feel your hair standing on end, squat down immediately and cover your ears. Do not lie on or touch the ground.
First Aid for Lightning Strike Victims:
- Check for breathing and a pulse. Perform CPR immediately if the victim is not breathing.
Conclusion:
Understanding the risks associated with lightning strikes and implementing appropriate prevention measures is essential to minimize the chances of harm. By adhering to these guidelines, individuals can protect themselves and others during thunderstorm events.