Statistics of Casualties and Damage Caused by Lightning Strikes in Korea from 2000 to 2007

Abstract

This paper presents statistics on lightning-caused damage to humans, structures, and electrical and electronic equipment. To reduce the number and amount of casualties and damage caused by lightning strikes, the statistical analysis of lightning-related damage reports is important in establishing lightning protection measures. The statistics of lightning death, injury and damage in Korea from 2000 to 2007 were primarily derived from mass media. As a result, the annual average of lightning-caused deaths in Korea is about 5. Most lightning casualties involve people who work outdoors such as farmers and recreationists. Data on lightning-caused injuries to humans and damage to structures in this paper may be underestimated since the available data from mass media are incomplete. The actual lightning-caused casualties and damage in Korea may be greater than those presented in this paper.