A tragic event unfolded this Sunday in Las Tunas when a 13-year-old boy was fatally struck by lightning during a storm, as reported by Radar del Tiempo on social media.
Two other children were injured in the same incident and are currently hospitalized, though they are not in critical condition.
The news was shared on Facebook by the Pediatric Teaching Hospital José Ramón Martínez Álvarez in Artemisa, which cited Radar del Tiempo as its source and used the opportunity to emphasize the importance of storm safety precautions.
Details regarding the specific municipality within the province, the exact circumstances of the incident, and the identities of the victims have not been disclosed.
Sudden Storm Catches Residents Off Guard
Various accounts on social media indicate that the storm arrived unexpectedly, catching many by surprise.
"Yesterday, when that loud thunder hit, it wasn't even drizzling yet; it was a dry thunderclap. Every year these tragic events occur," a user commented.
Another shared, "I was in the yard gathering laundry because it was barely drizzling when that massive thunder struck. What a scare! It damaged several electrical appliances in my neighborhood."
Experts express concern over the sudden nature of such storms, noting that lightning can strike even when the rain is just beginning or the sky appears non-threatening.
Sorrow and Reflection Across Social Media
The reaction on social media was overwhelmingly filled with grief and solidarity.
"Such sadness, their lack of knowledge betrayed them. My condolences to the family and friends, and a swift recovery to the two hospitalized," a commenter expressed.
Another noted, "Poor child. Maybe they didn't realize it was dangerous to be there."
The tragedy also sparked discussions about the challenges of convincing children to come indoors when a storm begins.
"They get upset when we bring them inside because it's thundering. At that age, they just want to play, but this shows we're doing the right thing," a mother shared.
Another recounted, "I scolded my son yesterday; he didn't want to come inside and got upset, but mothers always know best. Now I'll show him this news."
Lightning: A Greater Threat Than Hurricanes
Lightning strikes are the leading cause of death from natural phenomena in Cuba, surpassing even hurricanes.
According to the Institute of Meteorology (INSMET), between 1987 and 2023, lightning has caused 1,892 deaths in the country, with an average of 51 fatalities annually. The months with the highest mortality rates are July, August, and June.
A Series of Tragic Events Involving Minors
This Sunday adds to a string of incidents that have cast a shadow over Cuba in recent years.
In June 2025, two teenagers, aged 13 and 16, were killed by lightning while playing soccer in Bauta, Artemisa.
Just two months later, in August, three children aged 13 to 14 died from a lightning strike in Manicaragua, Villa Clara, while a fourth child was injured.
Guidelines for Staying Safe During a Lightning Storm
The Pediatric Teaching Hospital José Ramón Martínez Álvarez reminded the public of basic safety measures: seek shelter indoors, stay away from trees, poles, and metal structures, and educate children about these dangers.
Experts also recommend the 30/30 rule: if less than 30 seconds pass between seeing lightning and hearing thunder, seek shelter immediately and wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap before going outside.
Understanding Lightning Strikes in Cuba
What caused the tragic incident in Las Tunas?
The tragedy was caused by a lightning strike that occurred during a sudden storm, resulting in the death of a 13-year-old boy and injuring two other minors.
How can people stay safe during a lightning storm?
Safety measures include seeking shelter indoors, avoiding trees, metal structures, and poles, and teaching children about these risks. Applying the 30/30 rule is also advised: if less than 30 seconds occur between lightning and thunder, find immediate shelter and wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before going outside.
Why are lightning strikes a significant threat in Cuba?
Lightning strikes are the leading cause of death from natural phenomena in Cuba, surpassing hurricanes. With an average of 51 fatalities annually, they pose a significant threat, particularly during the months of July, August, and June.