Lightning: Activities that carry the highest risk of being struck

Each year, France records approximately 480,000 lightning strikes, according to the Nouvelle-Aquitaine regional risk observatory. While deaths are relatively rare, lightning still kills. On average, 10 to 15 people in France lose their lives each year after being struck. But the after-effects for survivors are sometimes very serious: neurological disorders, paralysis, internal burns, hearing or memory loss. The phenomenon strikes without warning, often during ordinary outdoor activities: a walk, a round of golf, a trip to the beach, or even gardening.

A recent study published in La Météorologie lists 215 cases of human accidents due to lightning over a ten-year period in Europe, including 56 in France alone. Among the victims, a majority were engaged in a leisure activity , particularly in the mountains, the countryside or by the water. Men are more affected than women, partly due to their overrepresentation in certain risky activities (fishing, working at height, extreme sports, etc.). The study by Schmitt and Kreitz reveals in detail that nearly 60% of victims were engaged in leisure activities at the time of the incident. Furthermore, approximately 20% of the accidents occurred in a professional setting.

A phenomenon often poorly anticipated

One of the great pitfalls of lightning is its unpredictability. Unlike a storm or a flood, it can occur without warning signs visible from the ground. A still-blue sky can hide a developing storm. And lightning can strike up to several kilometers from the original cloud. The golden rule, therefore, remains caution from the first warnings issued by Météo France.

The orange or red alert level is well known to the general public, but a yellow alert can already signify a significant risk, especially for those outdoors. However, the behaviors to adopt are often misunderstood, or even neglected.

In our slideshow, discover the activities practiced by people affected by lightning and the subjects of Schmitt and Kreitz's study.