Havana, August 2 (RHC-CMC) – Lightning strikes have been listed as the main cause of death by natural phenomena in Cuba.

Specialists with Cuban Geo-Physics and Astronomy Institute recently warned of the danger of thunderstorms particularly during the hurricane season from June through November.

According to Reniel Suarez, lightening strikes in just 43.5 mili-seconds and an average of 65 Cubans die as a result annually.

He said between 1979 to 2013 more than 1,680 Cubans were the fatal victims of direct, indirect or secondary impacts of lightening.

Suarez suggested protection measures in the face of a thunderstorm, such as finding safe shelter till the thunderstorm dissipates; leave open spaces, labor or sports activity, avoid pools, showers, lakes, rivers, beaches or boats, not to speak on phones, or be near or touch metal structures, among other actions.

It is estimated that 24,000 people are killed by lightning strikes around the world each year and about 240,000 are injured.