Lightning-Related Fatalities and Damages in Greece: A Statistical Analysis (2020-2024)

This study analyzes lightning incidents in Greece from 2020 to 2024, focusing on human and animal fatalities and injuries, as well as damage to buildings, vehicles, and infrastructure. Data from electronic media and the European Severe Weather Database provide insights into seasonal patterns, geographic distribution, and lightning mortality rates. The Relative Lightning Death Indicator $(\mathrm{D}_{\mathrm{r}})$ for Greece and its provinces is calculated, offering a tool to assess the effectiveness of lightning protection measures. It expresses the relative number of lightning deaths and can, thus, serve as an evaluation tool for the effectiveness of existing lightning protection measures.