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 A pan-African Network of National Centres dedicated to decreasing deaths, injuries and property damage from lightning.
The Malawi University of Science and Technology Ndata School of Climate and Earth Sciences is the base for ACLE-Malawi. An international meeting to launch ACLE-Malawi is planned for October 2018.
Notes from ACLENet's Director Mary Ann Cooper

This month we celebrate National Centers.  They are the backbone of ACLENet. 

Each National Center begins with people interested in saving lives or protecting their nation's infrastructure from lightning damage.  They often come from different backgrounds, bringing diverse talents to their Center as it forms.  

Depending on the country, each Center may have different interests, priorities, talents, and challenges, but this makes the whole of ACLENet stronger as Centers work together.

ACLE-Zambia was the first National Center outside of Uganda, where ACLENet started.  We are happy to announce that ACLE-Malawi will soon be launched at a meeting planned for October 2018.

There are individuals in Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and other countries who are already working towards Center formation. If you are interested in starting or being part of a National Center in your country, ACLENet can network you with others there, has templates for organizing, talking points to use with potential funders and stakeholders, and much more, including encouragement, guidance and mentoring. 
Please write us and we will be happy to work with you. 

For those of you outside of Africa who are interested in contributing to saving lives and lightning safety, monetary donations can help supply the seed money to launch a new Center by supporting the Scientific Symposia at which a new Center is announced to the world, purchasing computers and software, registering as an NGO, hiring basic staff and other necessities. If you have expertise in organizing, in lightning studies and safety, fund raising or other skills, volunteering your time and talents can play a substantial role in the success of National Centers.
 
ACLE-Zambia, ACLENet's first National Center, was launched at ACLENet's Second Scientific Symposium in Lusaka, Zambia, in August 2015.
Lightning deaths and trauma reported in the month June 2018
Lightning kills three in Gakenke, Nyagatare, Rwanda-June 06, 2018
Lightning kills two, Kenya - June 9, 2018
During the dry seasons, there is less lightning and fewer injury reports - but only for a few months until the next rainy season begins.

Lightning is a natural phenomenon that affects some parts of the world far worse than others. The impact of lightning on Africa is exceptionally high because:

  • There are more lightning flashes in central Africa than almost anywhere else in the world (high Lightning Flash Density).
  • People are at high risk for lightning injury due to outdoor work and travel.
  • ‘Safe’ areas where people can escape lightning, such as substantial housing with wiring and plumbing in the walls and enclosed all-metal vehicles, are largely unavailable to many people in Africa
  • Entire families at risk 24/7.
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macooper@uic.edu opionick@gmail.com

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