Lightning can occur in both direct and ground flash forms, and it can strike anywhere—even indoors—so one should not be complacent during thunderstorms.
Series of Lightning Strike Incidents
According to the National Center for Meteorological and Hydrological Networks, on the night of August 22, the northern region recorded over 1,000 lightning strikes in just one hour. The areas most affected by lightning included Lang Son, Thai Nguyen, Vinh Phuc, Hanoi, and Hoa Binh.
Mr. Nguyen Duc Phuong, Head of the Weather Radar Department at the National Center for Meteorological and Hydrological Networks (Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment), stated: “Currently, Vietnam’s lightning detection network consists of 18 lightning detection stations. This network is connected to the international lightning detection system. Our lightning detection network is designed to detect, locate, analyze, display, store, and distribute real-time data on cloud-to-ground (CG) and intra-cloud (IC) lightning events.”
Lightning is a dangerous natural disaster, and preventive measures are necessary.
With the current network of measuring devices, the detection range for lightning spans from 400 to 600 km. Thus, in addition to the mainland of Vietnam, the lightning detection stations can also detect strikes over the sea and near the borders of neighboring countries.
The Head of the Weather Radar Department further shared that the National Center for Meteorological and Hydrological Networks is currently operating the lightning detection and display network system via the website: hymetnet.gov.vn. This website continuously monitors lightning information and weather radar data. The public can access alerts regarding lightning risks on the website and receive feedback from weather radar systems. Citizens can refer to this information to mitigate risks caused by thunderstorms.
Why Can You Be Struck by Lightning While Indoors?
According to Mr. Le Dinh Quyet, Head of Forecasting at the Southern Regional Meteorological and Hydrological Station, lightning or lightning strikes are electrical discharge phenomena occurring in the atmosphere between clouds and the ground or among clouds with different electrical charges.
During an atmospheric discharge, lightning can travel at speeds of 36,000 km/s. This is because lightning is the movement of ions, while its visual appearance is created by a glowing plasma flow, allowing it to be seen before the sound is heard. Sound travels at a speed of only 1,230 km/h under normal air conditions, while light travels at 299,792 km/s.
Lightning can reach temperatures of 30,000 degrees Celsius, which is 20 times the temperature required to turn silica sand into glass (only 1,330 degrees Celsius is needed to melt SiO2). The stones created by lightning striking sand are called fulgurites (which typically take a tubular shape as the lightning travels into the ground). Lightning can also be produced by ash columns during volcanic eruptions or during intense wildfires that generate dense smoke sufficient to conduct electricity.
Mr. Quyet noted that the formation and origin of lightning are still topics of debate. Scientists have explored various origins, including wind, humidity, friction, atmospheric pressure, and electrically charged particles from solar energy.
Lightning can strike anywhere.
Additionally, ice crystals in clouds may play a crucial role in lightning formation, as they can create an environment with opposite charges within the clouds, leading to the occurrence of lightning. However, most theories regarding lightning formation are related to charge accumulation within thunderclouds.
Mr. Le Dinh Quyet informed that lightning strikes can cause static electric, electromagnetic, thermal, and mechanical effects on surrounding objects, such as electrical devices, communication lines, data transmission signals, power lines, and electronic communication equipment, often resulting in significant damage.
“It is important to remember that lightning can occur in both direct and ground flash forms, and it can strike anywhere—even indoors. We should not turn on the TV, limit the use of electrical appliances, unplug devices, and avoid standing by windows during thunderstorms,” Mr. Quyet advised.
Experts note that in the event of a lightning strike, besides causing burns and fire, lightning can harm the nervous system, cause broken bones, and lead to loss of hearing, vision, or memory. Victims of lightning strikes need immediate assistance. If a person is struck and becomes unconscious (heart stops beating, stops breathing), urgent resuscitation efforts must be undertaken. Care must be taken to avoid moving victims if there is suspicion of spinal injury. Keep burn areas dry and find the quickest way to get medical personnel to them.
