Lightning Fatalities in Malawi : A retrospective study from 2010 to 2017

There is a scarcity of information on lightning fatalities in many regions of the world, despite the need to have such information for decision-making and policy formulation to address this risk. This retrospective study covers the period of 2010–2017 and uses data from both online and hard copies of newspapers. The results show a fluctuation in both lightning deaths and injuries in the period, but with a general increase in the number of these incidents from 2010 to 2017. Lightning fatalities only occurred from November to February with December being the highest at 15 fatalities. More males are injured and killed by lightning than females, mainly due to men being exposed to risky outdoor activities more than females. In terms of age, the older population is less vulnerable to lightning. Most fatalities occurred outdoors while only 36% occurred within enclosed spaces. Malawi's rate of lightning deaths is about 50 times greater than in some developed countries. There is a need for more research and awareness campaigns on lightning issues in this region.