Chinese scientists have identified four zones of lightning activity in the country's coastal, central, western, and western border areas to better prevent loss from natural disasters.

The identification is based on satellite observation on lightning activity in China between 1995 and 2003 by the lightning and storm laboratory under China's Academy of Science.

Researchers say the coastal area is the one with most active lightning activity while the western area has the weakest lightning.

They point out that understanding climate traits in these areas can help prevent severe damage brought by storms and lightning.

(CRI December 20, 2004)