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Storms
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In the central Andes, especially in the middle of summer (January / February) near midday, strong storms are formed. In high altitude zones, snowstorms are often formed that last about 2-3 hors, accompanied by lightning and thunder. If a person gets hit by lightning it has the same effect as touching a high voltage line: serious burns, heart attack , and death. The greatest risk is when the person is in open-air and at the highest point, which of course happens simply by walking on a flat surface. Equally risky is to remain in the water, for instance while swimming.
General indications on how to behave in case of lightning probabilities
- Dense woods are relatively safe, however, avoid being near a lonely tree.
- Do not walk erected, so you are not the highest point. If there is not a safe refuge nearby, look for a depression in the soil where you can crouch as tightly as possible, putting your knees on the backpack.
- Strictly avoid small caves. Bigger caves with a distance of about two meters to the rock are, on the contrary, an appropriate shelter.
- Do not carry metallic objects with you, as they could attract lightning.
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