The unexpected strikes could have induced an economic loss ranging from 5 billion yuan to 10 billion yuan (1.23 billion US dollars), the China International Lightning Prevention Forum estimated here recently.

Lightning strikes have caused more and more damage to the people and the economy in modern society, while the rapid development of IT industry, mushrooming skyscrapers and widespread computers and web technologies are raising the demand for effective lightning proof systems, experts said at the forum, which was sponsored by China Meteorological Bureau.

Officials with the bureau said the lightning monitoring systems located around Beijing, in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River and the Pearl River Delta region in south China are helpful for furthering lightning research and applications.

China is lagging behind some developed countries in lightning prevention and disaster relief, experts said, but they also confirmed that China is making efforts in improving the preventive system for lightning-related disasters.

(Xinhua News Agency November 7, 2005)