Lightning strikes ravage homes in Gelderland and Waalwijk, Netherlands

On the night of 19‑20 June, a bout of severe thunderstorms swept the Dutch province of Gelderland, producing multiple lightning strikes that heavily damaged residences. A detached house on Valkseweg in Barneveld was severely harmed, residents of a thatched‑roof house in Uddel had to evacuate, and an explosive blast was heard near a front door in the Passewaaij district of Tiel.

In the nearby town of Waalwijk, Frank Heesters and his wife were hit by a direct strike that blew the roof off their home on Sint‑Anthoniusstraat, ignited a fire and left the building unsafe. The blaze spread to the adjoining house, destroying a support beam and damaging the chimney and interior. The family was forced to relocate to a hotel. No injuries were reported. "Zelfs twee straten verder werden de bewoners wakker van de klap," Heesters said.

The weather event left several families displaced and caused significant property loss, but emergency services prevented any fatalities.