Lightning casualty demographics in Brazil and their implications for safety rules

A 10-year study of lightning fatalities in Brazil is presented. It is the most complete study undertaken in South America. The study indicates the death rates in the country sorted by season, state, city, type of region, age, gender and circumstances. Ten years of data were collected from the Federal Civil Defense Agency, the Ministry of Health and the media press. The circumstances of lightning fatalities in Brazil were compared with other countries that have this information available. It also includes an analysis of the differences involved in lightning deaths in each region of Brazil. The results suggest that specific actions should be adopted in terms of lightning protection to minimize risks. Finally, this study provides useful information in order to identify the most important lightning safety rules for the country.

► We investigate the lightning fatalities in Brazil in the last decade. ► We provide useful information in other to identify the most important lightning safety rules. ► We examine the circumstances involved with lightning fatalities in Brazil compared to other countries.