Prof. Dr. Mary Ann Cooper, Managing Director, African Centre for Lightning Education Network (ACLENet) photo by ACLENet

By : Rose Kasigwa

As African countries continue to strengthen public health measures against Ebola and other disease outbreaks, the African Centre for Lightning Education Network (ACLENet) has issued a warning over the growing risk of lightning-related injuries and deaths during the rainy seasons.

The organization says thunderstorms experienced across many parts of the continent have heightened the danger of lightning strikes, particularly among vulnerable groups such as school children, farmers, fishermen, sports participants, security personnel, and other people whose activities are conducted outdoors.

According to ACLENet, lightning remains a significant but often overlooked threat despite causing fatalities, injuries, and damage to property in many communities each year.

In a public safety advisory, Prof. Dr. Mary Ann Cooper, Managing Director of ACLENet, urged individuals, institutions, and community leaders to take precautionary measures to protect lives during periods of severe weather.

“As we focus on Ebola prevention, let us not overlook the danger of lightning,” Prof. Cooper said. “The rainy season across many African countries is associated with increased lightning incidents affecting communities, schools, farmers, fishermen, sports people, security personnel, and other outdoor workers.”

The organization advised members of the public to seek safe shelter immediately when thunder is heard, noting that lightning can strike even before rainfall begins.

ACLENet also encouraged communities to stay informed through weather alerts and local warning systems, suspend outdoor activities during thunderstorms, and avoid gathering in groups when storms occur. Schools, churches, and other institutions were urged to halt outdoor assemblies, sporting activities, and events whenever thunder is detected.

The advisory further warns against remaining in open fields, on hilltops, near water bodies, or under isolated trees during storms, as these locations increase the risk of lightning strikes.

To enhance long-term protection, ACLENet called for greater investment in lightning safety awareness and the installation of modern lightning protection systems in schools, health centres, places of worship, community halls, and homes using internationally accepted standards.

Prof. Cooper also appealed to media organizations and communication platforms to help spread lightning safety information to wider audiences.

The warning comes as many parts of Africa continue to experience seasonal rains a period often associated with increased thunderstorm activity and heightened risks for communities engaged in outdoor activities.