New African lightning casualty database reveals widespread risk and limited reporting

A lightning researcher from the University of North Dakota partnered with the African Centres for Lightning and Education Network to create the largest publicly available record of lightning casualties in Africa, covering 46 countries and more than 2,100 cases as of June 2026. By combining strike frequency, injury or death rates relative to population, and economic vulnerability, the team assigned risk scores, finding that 14 of 15 assessable nations rank as high or very high risk, with South Africa as the sole lower-risk outlier.

The database underscores chronic under-reporting caused by multilingual challenges, poor internet connectivity, and local beliefs attributing strikes to supernatural causes. Interviews with survivors reveal long-term health problems, while the lack of lightning-safe structures in many buildings exacerbates exposure. The researchers hope the expanded data will improve public education and medical training on lightning-related injuries.