Global Courant
At least two incidents were reported on the afternoon of this Wednesday, June 28, due to an electrical storm and rain that occurred in a large part of Guatemalan territory.
One of the reports that was recorded on video was the lightning strike in zone 4 of the capital city.
In addition, the Red Cross reported another similar event in Nuevo San Carlos, Retalhuleu, where a family was affected after a lightning strike.
Due to these events, an expert was consulted on this type of natural phenomena.
How likely is a lightning strike?
Cleofas Culajay, a meteorologist at the National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (Insivumeh), explains more about the possibility of lightning striking buildings in the capital city.
“It is unlikely, however there is a minimal probability that it will happen, which is why some buildings have lightning rods,” explained the expert.
Also read: Heat Dome: What is it, what are its effects in Guatemala and what is its relationship with high temperatures
The lightning rod is an instrument that is installed in buildings or structures to attract lightning and thus have a controlled impact.
In addition to protecting people, this protector prevents the discharge from affecting electrical devices.
According to studies on lightning, the main effects it has are thermal since the channel through which the electric discharge is conducted can reach a temperature of up to 20 thousand °C.
incidents
A video published on social networks that shows how thunder fell in zone 4 of the capital caused astonishment among Guatemalans on the afternoon of this Wednesday, June 28.
The images show the exact moment when the thunder descends, and although it seems to hit an area between buildings and shops, it was confirmed that it fell in a green area.
Along with this clarification, it was ruled out that someone had been injured.
See also: Video: they capture the exact moment when thunder falls in the surroundings of zone 4 of the capital
Culajay said that, from what is observed in the video, it can be determined that this type of discharge was from cloud to ground, the most common and well-known type of lightning. This type of lightning is usually followed by an upward return movement, according to experts.
in Retalhuleu
The other incident was reported in the southwestern region of the country.
The Red Cross reported that a family was affected by a lightning strike, so it assisted four people who suffered first-degree burns and other injuries.
#Electroatmospheric Discharge Lightning falls close to 1 family in La Felicidad Xolhuitz de Nuevo San Carlos, Retalhuleu.#CruzRojaGT stabilizes and transfers to the HN 2 adults, 1 adolescent and 1 child with 1st grade burns. Degree and other traumas.#WeCan’tStopOutWe’re Needed pic.twitter.com/EFJZ43BTX8
– CruzRojaGT (@CRGuatemalteca) June 28, 2023
