Thunder destroys part of house roof in south-west France
Learn what to do in case lightning strikes your home
The thunder destroyed part of the roof and the chimney (the picture is for illustrative purposes only)
2023 Cameron Read/Shutterstock.
A lightning strike hit a family home in south-west France on Monday morning, destroying part of its roof while the region was under a yellow storm warning.
The incident took place on 20 April in Plaisance, in the Gers department. At the time of the strike, the five occupants were inside the property. However, they were all safely evacuated and remained unharmed.
Thirteen firefighters attended the scene at around 10:30am after the alert was raised, finding that part of the roof and the chimney had been damaged.
According to Keraunos, the French observatory for tornadoes and severe storms, the Gers department recorded 397 lightning strikes that day.
A structural specialist also attended the property to assess the stability of the building, and a 50-metre safety perimeter was set up around the house.
What to do during a thunderstorm
If you are at home during a thunderstorm, it is important to follow safety precautions to reduce the risk of lightning injury:
Avoid using corded telephones. Mobile phones and cordless phones are safe to use.
Do not use electrical appliances connected to plug sockets, such as computers or washing machines.
Avoid contact with plumbing. Do not shower, wash your hands, or do the dishes during a storm.
Stay away from windows and doors, and remain indoors rather than on balconies, porches, or terraces.
Do not lie on concrete floors or lean against concrete walls.
If you are outside during a thunderstorm, seek shelter immediately. A safe shelter is a fully enclosed building or a hard-top vehicle with the windows closed. Open structures such as porches, gazebos, or shelters without walls are not safe.
If no shelter is available, as a last resort you should crouch down low with your feet together, head tucked in, and hands over your ears. Do not lie flat on the ground, and do not shelter under trees, as this significantly increases the risk of being struck.
What if my house is struck by lightning?
If your home is struck by lightning, the first priority is to ensure everyone inside is safe.
If there is any smell of smoke, signs of fire, or suspicion of damage, evacuate immediately and call the emergency services.
Do not touch the electrical panel, wiring, or any metal fittings connected to the electrical system. Lightning can cause power surges and hidden electrical faults that may lead to electric shock or fire.
Once it is safe, check for visible signs of damage such as:
burning smells or smoke
scorch marks
flickering lights or power loss
circuit breakers that repeatedly trip
malfunctioning appliances or electronics
Even if no damage is immediately visible, a professional electrical inspection should be arranged as soon as possible, as lightning can cause hidden faults inside walls and electrical systems.
If it is safe to do so, unplug sensitive electronic devices to protect them from possible power surges.
Finally, it is important to note that lightning does not need to strike your house directly to cause damage. Nearby strikes can also send electrical surges through power lines and damage household electrical systems.
