The World Capital of Lightning is located in Venezuela, where the Catatumbo River flows into Lake Maracaibo. Here, the unique geography and climate create special conditions for thunderstorms, especially at night. The peak of such storms occurs in September.
Researchers, including representatives from NASA, have learned a lot about the endless lightning in Catatumbo over the past ten years. There are 250 flashes per square kilometer each year, which amounts to about 1.6 million lightning strikes annually.
It is no wonder that NASA has called Catatumbo the 'World Capital of Lightning.' The natural 'show' here is as impressive as it is dangerous. Residents of the local village, built on stilts, are particularly at risk. The region is home to about 20,000 fishermen, many of whom live in tin shacks. Every year, reports of fatalities from lightning strikes are recorded.
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