Misconceptions About Lightning. In countries with little or no - TopicsExpress

Misconceptions About Lightning. In countries with little or no education on the science of lightning, misconceptions often run rampant. Its common to see revenge killings in the developing world. -two villages are feuding, and someones brother dies from a lightning strike. So the fingers point to the family in the next village, and [the victims family will] go murder someone in that rival family. I have witnessed lots of tires on the roofs of homes because they believe itll ward off lightning. But it doesnt do a thing. There is a common idea in the developing world that lightning only hits sinful people. Ive seen this result in isolation from the family of a victim in rural areas. In both rural and urban areas of Kenya many people believe that witches can control lightning and send it to kill a person or to destroy that persons property or livestock. The belief that only sinful or otherwise specially targeted people get struck can instill a false confidence, and results in people not seeking shelter during storms. Looking Ahead In an effort to cope with the high rate of lightning deaths and injuries, local government authorities must give people tools and plans to dispel myths and raise awareness of the dangers of lightning. And in February, the African Center for Lightning Information and Researchwas established to raise awareness and emphasize the need for proper engineering to reduce the number of lightning-related deaths and injuries per year. Local agencies should come up with game plans on how to bust myths and train laborers on the dangers of working outside during storms. Recommendations are then made to governments. Proposals include adding lightning safety to school curricula and displaying safety instructions in vulnerable areas, such as beaches and playgrounds, urging people to take cover when lightning is in the area.