Recommended
During the rainy season, storms, and hurricanes, several areas in Mexico are more prone to lightning strikes than others due to extreme rainfall and electrical activity, according to research conducted by experts at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), which claims the lives of thousands of people.
Where is it most likely and dangerous for lightning to strike? Keep reading to learn about the data revealed by the institution.
- LEE MÁS: ¿Edouard afectará a México? Esto se sabe de la tormenta en el Golfo
- NO TE PIERDAS: Últimas noticias de Nepal: más de 5,000 siguen desaparecidos una semana después de la catástrofe
Where is it most dangerous for lightning to strike in Mexico?
The research, Mapping lightning risk in Mexico: Integration of natural hazards and social vulnerability, conducted by experts Alejandro Jaramillo and Christian Dominguez, identified regions of high and very high risk in the Sierra Madre Occidental, the Pacific coast, central and southeastern Mexico, including the Yucatan Peninsula, where a high number of days with lightning coincide with social conditions that increase exposure.
As detailed by the investigation, in a particularly worrying figure, 82.1% of fatal lightning incidents occurred in municipalities classified as having "high" or "very high" risk. The map created by the scientists integrates both the presence of the meteorological phenomenon and vulnerability factors, which allows for understanding why some regions face much greater danger when storms begin.
Among the states with the highest risk of lightning strikes are the State of Mexico, Oaxaca, Michoacán, and Guerrero, notes the report from UNAM, shared in journals of the American Meteorological Society.
As a relevant fact in the research, it was estimated that there were nearly 2,470 deaths related to lightning strikes in Mexico between 2018 and 2021, according to data provided by the Ministry of Health, of which:
- 539 fueron en el Estado de México
- 206, en Oaxaca
- 168 en Michoacán
- 133 en Guerrero
Within the State of Mexico, the municipalities with high lightning risk are:
- San Felipe del Progreso
- Villa Victoria
- Ixtlahuaca
- Toluca
These areas "are at notable risk due to the high frequency of days with lightning and high social vulnerability," the research notes.
The study adds that these areas are at risk due to the climate, but also due to the combination of other factors such as their geography, "rugged topography," their mountainous landscapes, and bodies of water: "Studies indicate that areas with the highest lightning density often exhibit a clustered distribution of discharges, with specific locations such as mountain tops, geographical features, and bodies of water that are recurring targets for lightning."
In addition to this, valleys and areas used for agriculture tend to record less electrical activity.
The danger is also present in regions where there are many days with thunderstorms, even if the amount of lightning is lower. This situation presents a challenge especially for agricultural workers, who must remain in the fields during the growing season and may have few options to take shelter.
The lack of trees, buildings, or other natural shelters can increase exposure during a storm. A single bolt of lightning can cause serious injury or even death, the experts warn, so the frequency of storms and terrain conditions are important factors in determining the risk.
What to do during a thunderstorm to avoid lightning?
In the face of a thunderstorm, taking precautions can considerably reduce the risk of being struck by lightning. According to the National Center for Disaster Prevention (Cenapred), it is important to stay alert to warnings from the National Meteorological Service and recognize signs such as dark clouds, lightning, or thunder, in order to seek shelter in advance.
Before the storm arrives, the most recommended action is to take shelter inside a house or building and keep animals safe. If electrical activity has already begun, avoid staying on hills, mountains, or in open spaces and stay away from poles, antennas, metal fences, and objects that can conduct electricity. You should not take shelter under trees either.
If you are outside and no building is available, one option is to remain inside a car with the engine off. Furthermore, during the storm, avoid any contact with water, as it can increase the risk of receiving an electric shock. These measures are especially important when thunder is heard, as it indicates that there is electrical activity nearby.
[Publicidad]