Ghana is currently experiencing the peak of the rainy season, amidst some of the worst flash floodings in many parts of the country. The torrential rains are often accompanied by persistent thunderstorms, threatening lives and properties.
In recent times, there have been reported cases of death linked to thunderstorms in some parts of the country and these unfortunately incidents are associated with the myth of spiritual attack in affected communities.
Some people believe that thunderstorm related deaths are due to offenses against the gods, a taboo, or victims became the target of supernatural forces.
There are all kinds of cultural practices and belief systems all around the world regarding natural phenomena such as thunderstorms and I have no intention of debating on what people believe or not but rather explain the science behind these natural occurrences.
Misconception
Another misconception about thunderstorm is what people call; “thunder strike”. It’s not just its use; many people believe that the lethal aspect of thunderstorms is the boom sound made proceeding from lightning.
Contrary to what many people think, thunder (loud booming sound) does not kill; it’s lightning that strikes to death or causes injuries.
The Difference Between Lightning and Thunder
Lightning is a massive electrical spark that travels between clouds or between a cloud and the ground. A single lightning strike can carry millions of volts of electricity and reach temperatures hotter than the surface of the sun.
Thunder, on the other hand, is simply the sound produced when lightning rapidly heats the air around it. The heated air expands explosively, creating the loud rumbling or cracking noise we hear. In simple terms: Lightning is the dangerous electrical strike. If you hear thunder, it means lightning has already occurred nearby.
Thunder is the sound produced by lightning. Without lightning, there would be no thunder.
How Does Lightning Kill? Lightning can kill or seriously injure people in several ways:
Direct Strike. A person is hit directly by lightning. This is often fatal and can cause cardiac arrest, severe burns, and nervous system damage.
Ground Current. Lightning strikes the ground and the electrical energy spreads through the surrounding area. This is one of the most common causes of lightning-related injuries and deaths.
Side Flash is when lightning strikes a nearby object such as a tree and jumps to a person standing close by. Many people seek shelter under trees when it starts raining. This can be a deadly mistake. Standing under a tree during a thunderstorm significantly increases the risk of being struck.
Learn more about lightning strike from here-click to see more US National Weather Service GCOS
Safety Tips During Thunderstorms
Go Indoors Immediately
Avoid Open Fields
Stay away from trees
Avoid Water
Unplug Electrical Appliances
Lightning can travel through power lines and damage electronics.
Stay Away from Metal Objects like metallic gates
Do not use wired phones or electrical devices connected directly to mains power during severe storms.
Follow the 30-30 Rule
If the time between seeing lightning and hearing thunder is less than 30 seconds, the storm is close enough to be dangerous. Seek shelter immediately and wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before going back outside. See more safety tips here; CDC lightning
conclusion
The statement "thunder killed him" is widely used but scientifically inaccurate. What actually causes deaths and injuries is the lightning strike itself. While an extremely loud thunderclap may startle people or, in rare cases, affect hearing, it does not carry the deadly electrical energy responsible for most storm-related fatalities.
