During a severe rainstorm, a lightning strike hit a residence in the Planalto Boa Esperança neighborhood of Timon, located in eastern Maranhão, Brazil. The lightning caused extensive damage by burning out the entire electrical system of the house and damaging several household appliances. Fortunately, the family residing in the house at the time remained unharmed. The incident was quite alarming, as it not only damaged the property but also posed significant dangers due to the nature of lightning strikes.

According to the homeowner, Fábio da Silva Santos, he was relaxing in a hammock while watching television when he noticed a bright flash followed by the loud sound of the ceiling collapsing. The lightning strike damaged part of the ceiling and one wall of the house, in addition to the electrical appliances. This series of events highlights the vulnerabilities homes face during severe weather events and the potential for serious injuries or damage.

Climate expert Werton Costa explained that lightning strikes often seek the path of least resistance to the ground, typically targeting elevated points such as antennas, metal roofs, or electrical wiring. The electric discharge can lead to fires, explosion of construction materials like concrete and bricks, and burning of electric devices as it travels through networks, underscoring the need for residents to implement safety measures in lightning-prone areas, especially during storms.