The zoo walk turned to disaster. At the Barben animal park, in the Bouches-du-Rhône, thirteen visitors, including four children, were injured after an impact of lightning yesterday, Wednesday May 14. A German visitor has even been declared in a state of absolute emergency.
A extremely rare weather event, according to help
The zoo co-manager, Louis Pons, talks about an “unexpected event”. At the microphone of BFMTV, he describes a violent thunderstorm but in short. “”The sky cleared in 30 minutes “. But only one flash was enough to create panic. “”The impact took place on a path without any metal structure“Specifies Colonel Didier Margotto, also questioned by the chain.
A few figures: each year, 1 million lightning strokes strike France, affecting between 200 and 300 people. There are an average of around thirty deaths per year. Recall that the electrical energy produced by a flash is around 200 kilowatt hours.
A formidable and unknown “flash effect”
Of the thirteen victims, the majority was indirectly affected by what is called a “flash effect”. This phenomenon designates a form of lightning by proximity.
Indeed, lightning can touch a tree or a structure and spread to people nearby. The body being driver, the current passes from one person to another.
The right reflexes in front of a thunderstorm, according to Dr Gérald Kierzek
How to take shelter, when you are in the presence of a thunderstorm, outside? Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director of True Medical, insisted in a previous article on gestures that save in the face of this type of natural danger.
“”The first thing to do when a thunderstorm arrives is to take shelter“He explains. And not all shelters are equal.
“”An enclosed building is the best option. Avoid bus shelters, these are not real shelters. Fields or flat terrains, such as beaches, are to be fleeing absolutely “ Add our expert. Just like trees. “”Never take refuge under a tree: it can attract lightning, drop or project branches “ he still believes.
Can we take refuge in a car, if you are outside?
Yes according to the medical director of True Medical. The car can be used as a refuge under certain conditions. “”It must be completely closed, not to be a convertible model, and parked far from a tree. The metal roof plays the role of Faraday cage, deviating the current towards the ground “.
Finally, for more caution, the doctor recommends keeping himself informed of the weather and canceling any external activity in the event of a thunderstorm ad. “”If the weather forecasts a thunderstorm, cancel your outdoor activities and do not take your bicycle or your motorcycle, do not go to the beach. And if you drive in the car, slow down and be vigilant “calls the emergencyist. “”It is best to stay safe inside your home, closing the windows and moving away from them. And ultimate precaution: do not touch metallic objects that can be conductive, such as water pipes, taps, your stove … “ concludes the doctor.
What if you have no shelter or vehicle nearby?
Take the example of a hiker. In the middle of nature, if you are surprised by a thunderstorm, it is advisable to sit on your backpack, keeping your feet tight and head on your knees. The objective is to minimize contact with the ground in case lightning is hitting nearby. If you don’t have a bag to isolate yourself, stay crouching with your head on your knees, explains our specialist.
Note: if you are in a group, spread about ten meters from each other. The human body being driver, lightning can spread from one person to another, thus causing several victims. By moving away enough, you reduce the risk that the whole group will be affected, thus facilitating assistance to the wounded and the call for rescue, recommends Dr Gérald Kierzek.
Places to avoid absolutely
- Fields or flat land such as football stadiums;
- Under a tree. If lightning falls, the tree will not protect you. In addition to receiving an electrical load or attracting lightning, the tree or a branch can hurt you by falling on you;
- Caves and cavities, in the mountains. These are not good shelters. On the contrary, they attract lightning inside;
- The water points, the plains and the rocky facades.
False good ideas
- Make great strides;
- Take shelter under an umbrella. Being above your head, this metal object can attract and lead lightning to you. It is best to put it next to you;
- Take refuge in a telephone booth. If the airline of the cabin is struck by lightning, overvoltage can spread through cables and reach the person inside;
- Swim during a thunderstorm: even if it is very hot, this practice is absolutely to be avoided! If lightning strikes your pool water while you bathe, the danger is considerable. It is even one of the most serious risks.