A 28-year-old Cuban farmer named Adriel Ferrera tragically lost his life on Friday in the town of Río Piedras, located in the Colón municipality of Matanzas, after being struck by lightning while working in the fields, as confirmed by local Civil Defense authorities. This devastating incident has left the community in shock and caused deep sorrow among his family and friends who mourn his untimely passing.
The Colón municipality's Center for Risk and Disaster Reduction Management expressed their condolences on social media, emphasizing the often underestimated destructive power of lightning strikes. This tragedy comes only weeks after another young woman, Yanelys Oropesa, also died in Colón under similar circumstances, struck by lightning while laboring in the fields.
In recent months, Cuba has been hit by a series of fatal lightning accidents. On August 3rd, three teenagers lost their lives in Manicaragua, Villa Clara, while another young girl suffered severe injuries. Earlier, in Bauta, Artemisa, two boys aged 13 and 16 were killed in June as they played soccer during a thunderstorm. In early July, a group of young people in Ciego de Ávila narrowly avoided death after ignoring warnings and continuing to play in an open field as lightning struck nearby.
Leading Cause of Natural Disaster Deaths in Cuba
Statistics from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (CITMA) and the Institute of Meteorology indicate that lightning strikes are the primary cause of natural disaster-related deaths in Cuba, averaging 54 fatalities annually between 1987 and 2017. Experts warn that lightning can strike several miles away from the storm's center, making fields, beaches, and parks high-risk areas. They advise seeking immediate shelter in enclosed spaces or vehicles at the first sound of thunder and halting any outdoor activities.
The death of Adriel Ferrera serves as a stark reminder of life's vulnerability in the face of nature's power and adds to the list of tragedies that have brought mourning to Cuban families across various provinces.
Understanding Lightning Risks in Cuba
What precautions should be taken during a thunderstorm?
During a thunderstorm, it is crucial to seek shelter in a closed building or a vehicle and avoid open fields, beaches, and parks. Cease all outdoor activities at the first sound of thunder.
How common are lightning-related fatalities in Cuba?
Lightning strikes are the leading cause of natural disaster-related deaths in Cuba, with an average of 54 fatalities per year from 1987 to 2017.