Related videos:
The Cuban Yanelys Oropesa was identified as the woman who died on Saturday after being struck by lightning while working in agricultural tasks near the community of La Luisa, in the municipality of Colón, Matanzas.
On social media, friends and acquaintances mourned the death of Yanelys, whom they described as “a very good person” and remembered with messages of condolence and prayers. “Lord, embrace her in your arms. Rest in peace, Yane,” wrote one of her friends.
Another internet user stated that the victim was the daughter of Vicia, a very beloved hairdresser in the community.
According to the Civil Defense Council of the territory, the incident occurred in the afternoon and the victim was taken to the Mario Muñoz Monroy General Teaching Hospital, where she was admitted without vital signs.
The tragedy in Colón adds to a series of deaths caused by lightning in the country in recent months.
In June, two teenagers died while playing soccer in Bauta, Artemisa, and last week in Manicaragua, Villa Clara, three young people lost their lives and one minor was injured under similar circumstances.
Statistics from the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Environment (CITMA) and the Meteorological Institute indicate that lightning strikes are the leading cause of death from natural phenomena in Cuba, with an average of 54 fatalities per year between 1987 and 2017.
Experts warn that lightning can strike several kilometers away from the center of the storm, so they recommend seeking shelter in enclosed spaces or inside vehicles at the first sound of thunder, avoiding trees, metal structures, and bodies of water, as well as suspending any outdoor activities during storms.
Frequently Asked Questions about Electric Outages in Cuba
Who was the lightning victim in Matanzas?
Yanelys Oropesa was identified as the woman who died after being struck by lightning while working in agriculture in Colón, Matanzas.
How many deaths do lightning strikes cause each year in Cuba?
Lightning strikes are the leading cause of death from natural phenomena in Cuba, with an average of 54 fatalities per year between 1987 and 2017.
What safety measures should be taken during a thunderstorm?
Specialists recommend seeking shelter in enclosed spaces or inside vehicles, avoiding trees, metal structures, and bodies of water, and suspending any outdoor activities during storms.
Why are lightning strikes so dangerous in Cuba?
Lightning in Cuba is dangerous because it can strike kilometers away from the center of the storm, making any open area a high-risk zone during a thunderstorm.
Filed under: