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Lightning fatalities in Swaziland: 2000–2007

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Abstract

An investigation is undertaken to analyze the human lightning fatalities in Swaziland. A total of 123 victims of lightning-related death were identified from the records of the Royal Swaziland Police Service and the local printed media for the period 2000–2007. An annual average fatality rate of 15.5 people per million, the highest recorded rate in the world, was obtained. The results also reveal that 66% were male, most (67%) of them were within the 10–39 age group with an average age of 28 years. Lightning fatalities occurred from September to May mainly in the afternoon (1400–1800 h). Deaths most commonly occurred indoors inside rural houses (17%), whilst walking (16%) and under a tree (14%). The incidents resulted in multiple fatalities in 22% of the cases with an average of 1.4 casualties per incident. The need for awareness campaigns, protection measures and detailed investigation is highlighted.

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Acknowledgement

The author wishes to appreciate The Royal Swaziland Police Service, more especially Superintendent Vusi Masuku, who helped in providing the lightning incidents data. The various reporters from The Times of Swaziland and The Swazi Observer are acknowledged for their efforts in providing informative reports of lightning fatalities.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Swaziland National Trust Commission, Lobamba, Swaziland

    Wisdom Mdumiseni Dlamini

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  1. Wisdom Mdumiseni Dlamini
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Correspondence to Wisdom Mdumiseni Dlamini.

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Dlamini, W.M. Lightning fatalities in Swaziland: 2000–2007. Nat Hazards 50, 179–191 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-008-9331-6

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