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Lightning fatalities in Swaziland: 2000–2007

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  • Wisdom Dlamini

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. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2009

Suggested Citation

  • Wisdom Dlamini, 2009. "Lightning fatalities in Swaziland: 2000–2007," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 50(1), pages 179-191, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:nathaz:v:50:y:2009:i:1:p:179-191
    DOI: 10.1007/s11069-008-9331-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Brian Mills & Dan Unrau & Carla Parkinson & Brenda Jones & Jennifer Yessis & Kelsey Spring & Laurel Pentelow, 2008. "Assessment of lightning-related fatality and injury risk in Canada," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 47(2), pages 157-183, November.
    2. Ngwenya, P. & Hassan, Rashid M., 2005. "An environmental accounting approach to valuing the services of natural forests and woodlands in Swaziland," Agrekon, Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa (AEASA), vol. 44(2), pages 280-280, June.
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