Protection of people against Lightning Killer

Project Report Protection of People Against Lightning Killer By Project Title Protection of People Against Lightning Killer in Burundi Organization Information Organization Name: Location: Bujumbura Website: savelifemakedifference.com Executive Summary Burundi has recently experienced severe storms accompanied by dangerous lightning strikes causing deaths, injuries, destruction of property, and loss of domestic animals. The increase in extreme weather events has become a major humanitarian and environmental concern, especially during the rainy season. This project, led by , aims to reduce lightning-related deaths and injuries by installing modern lightning protection systems in schools, community centers, health facilities, and vulnerable public areas across Burundi. The project focuses on protecting children, teachers, families, and communities through the installation of lightning arresters, grounding systems, earth electrodes, and public awareness campaigns on lightning safety. The total project budget is $50,500, with current donations helping initiate the first phase of implementation. Background and Problem Statement In recent months, Burundi has been affected by violent storms with devastating lightning strikes. Several tragic incidents have occurred across the country: Four people were killed by lightning in Buganda Commune in northwestern Burundi. Seven schoolchildren died during a lightning strike while attending class in southern Burundi. More than 51 people were injured during the same storm. Domestic animals and properties have also been heavily affected. Climate-related disasters are becoming increasingly frequent in Burundi, threatening vulnerable populations, especially children in schools and people living in rural areas without adequate protection infrastructure. Many schools and public buildings lack lightning protection systems, exposing communities to deadly risks every rainy season. Project Goal To protect vulnerable communities in Burundi from lightning-related deaths, injuries, and property damage through the installation of effective lightning protection systems and public education programs. Objectives Main Objectives Install anti-lightning protection systems in vulnerable schools and public buildings. Reduce deaths and injuries caused by lightning strikes. Protect domestic animals and community infrastructure. Educate communities about lightning safety measures. Strengthen disaster risk reduction efforts in Burundi. Target Beneficiaries The project will directly benefit: Schoolchildren Teachers Rural families Health centers Community institutions Farmers and livestock owners Vulnerable communities in high-risk regions Estimated beneficiaries: More than 20,000 people Proposed Solution The project will implement the following solutions: 1. Installation of Lightning Protection Systems The organization will install: Lightning rods Earth electrode systems Grounding systems Capture devices Surge protection equipment These systems will safely direct lightning energy into the ground and significantly reduce the risk of fatalities and damage. 2. Community Awareness Campaigns Educational programs will teach communities: Safety measures during storms Emergency response procedures Safe shelter practices Protection of livestock and property 3. Risk Assessment and Monitoring Technical teams will: Identify high-risk zones Conduct inspections of vulnerable buildings Monitor installation quality Ensure long-term maintenance Implementation Plan Activity Timeline Community assessment Month 1 Procurement of materials Month 1–2 Installation of protection systems Month 2–6 Community awareness campaigns Month 3–8 Monitoring and evaluation Ongoing Expected Results The project expects to achieve: Reduced lightning-related deaths and injuries Safer schools and public buildings Increased public awareness on lightning safety Improved disaster preparedness Better protection for livestock and infrastructure Long-Term Impact The installation of sustainable lightning protection systems will provide long-term safety for communities and reduce future disaster risks. Schools and public institutions will remain protected for many years, helping save lives and support safer learning environments for children. The project will also contribute to Burundi’s broader climate resilience and disaster management efforts. Budget Summary Item Estimated Cost Lightning rods and materials $20,000 Earth electrode systems $10,000 Installation and technical labor $8,500 Transportation and logistics $4,000 Community awareness programs $3,000 Monitoring and maintenance $5,000 Total Budget $50,500 Current Funding Status Total Goal: $50,500 Amount Raised: $424 Remaining Amount: $50,076 Number of Donations: 7 Conclusion Lightning disasters continue to threaten lives across Burundi, particularly among children and vulnerable rural communities. Through this project, seeks to provide sustainable protection systems that will save lives, protect infrastructure, and improve community resilience against climate-related disasters. Support from donors, partners, and humanitarian organizations will help ensure safer schools and communities throughout Burundi.

SAVE LIFE MAKE DIFFERENCE

Bujumbura Burundi 

savelifemakedifference@gmail.com

Project report

Protecting people against lightning in Burundi involves installing lightning protection systems (earth electrodes/rods) on buildings, particularly schools, to reduce high casualty rates. Immediate safety measures include seeking sturdy shelter, avoiding tall trees and open fields, staying away from metal objects, and waiting 30 minutes after the last thunderclap. 

Key Protection Measures              

Structural Protection: Due to recent severe storms, installing lightning rods (capture devices) and grounding systems on schools and homes is crucial to protecting people.

Indoor Safety: During a storm, stay inside a fully enclosed building, close all doors/windows, and avoid using plumbing or corded electronics.

Outdoor Safety:

Do not stand under isolated trees, poles, or in open fields.

Do not hold metal objects (umbrellas, farm tools).

If caught in the open, crouch down low (feet together, head tucked) to minimize ground contact.

Vehicle Safety: Stay inside a hard-topped, closed-window vehicle.

If Someone is Struck: Call emergency help immediately, perform CPR, and know that it is safe to touch them. 

Given the high incidence of lightning in Burundi, education on these precautions is essential for reducing fatalities. 

Impact of Lightning on the human body

Severe electrical shocks, like lightning strikes to the body affect almost every organ and tissue, and may cause extensive damage.

Some of the after effects of a lightning strike includes, cardiac and pulmonary arrest (no pulse and no breathing), usually temporary paralysis, temporary deafness, and minor to severe burns.

Emergency Response if struck by lightning

• If you are near a person that has been struck by lightning, immediately activate the emergency services.
• If the person is unconscious and not breathing, start CPR, and an emergency call taker will talk you through the steps if you do not know how to do CPR.
•  It is essential that CPR is started promptly, as the electrical shock may interfere with the electrical current of the heart, causing it to stop beating properly.
• The patient may appear to be deceased in many cases as the electrical current having gone through the body stops the heart, and it will need to be restarted again. CPR is performed in long duration on these patients, where immediate activation of emergency care and starting of CPR, has a very good prognosis for these patients.
• All patients that are affected by lightning strikes need to be further observed at an appropriate medical facility.

Be Prepared and ready to Respond

With our beautiful late afternoon thunderstorms, it is almost a guarantee that they will be accompanied by beautiful lightning. Thunder and lightning usually start some time before it starts to rain, so don’t wait until the rain starts before you take action and get to an area of safety.

Golden Rule: When It Roars Get Indoors

When Outdoors:

• The first rule of keeping safe is to avoid being outside when there is lightning activity.
• It’s also important to note that lightning often occurs around the edges of a thundercloud, so it doesn’t have to be raining.
• At the first sign of lightning or thunder, it’s best to head inside a proper building (rather than a boma or other partial protection).
• If you are unable to make it into a safe building, get into a vehicle, making sure the windows are shut.
• A car is a safe place to find shelter. Even though a car is made out of metal, it acts as a ‘Faraday cage’ which prevents current from flowing through the vehicle and its occupants.
• In the event that you are out in an open field and are unable to get to another area of safety, lie down or crouch on the ground until the storm has passed.
• Also, if you are playing any form of sport outdoors, insist that your friends accompany you indoors.
• Do not stand under canopy’s, porches, picnic shelters or trees as they do not provide much protection from direct lightning strikes or an electrical “splash” that may come from another object that has been hit.
• At all times, indoors or out, avoid water (lakes, dams, river’s, water facets, showers, baths) as water is a really good conductor of electricity!
• Stay away from trees, water, high ground or open fields.
• Canopy shelters, as well as metal objects such as flag poles and light poles should be avoided.
• Avoid using items such as umbrellas or golf clubs, or doing activities such as kite-flying.
• Avoid swimming or standing on a beach, as lightning may strike at the water’s edge.
• To be safe, it’s best to stay inside for 30 minutes after you heard the last clap of thunder.
• Don’t forget to bring your pets inside. Doghouses and other pet shelters are not suitable protection against lightning strikes.

SAVE LIFE MAKE DIFFERENCE since we start our project $424 raised of $50,500 goal

SAVE LIFE MAKE DIFFERENCE

Bujumbura Burundi  24/02/2026

savelifemakedifference@gmail.com        

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