More than half the buildings in Beijing are not resistant against induction lightning, local media reported.
The shocking statistic was revealed by the Beijing Evening News on Wednesday.
A test conducted by Beijing Testing Center for Lightning Protection Facilities showed that 90 percent of buildings could resist direct lightning attacks, but only half were able to withstand induction lightening.
Induction lightning, also called indirect lightning, can damage electrical systems inside a building. Direct lightning attacks a person or building, said an official, surnamed Song, with the center.
For example, lightning might pass through wires to decimate an active computer, Song said.
Closed-circuit television and intercom systems are also in danger of induction lightning attacks, the report said, adding that interior equipment accounts for 80 percent of all lightning damage in recent years.
Song said the public is also in danger when people use electronic equipment during thunderstorms. This has prompted the need for the testing center to conduct annual appraisals.
The center has 16 teams, each of which tested at least 500 buildings between April 1 and June 15, the report quoted an official with the center as saying.
The capital sees 32 to 48 days with lightning each year, the majority of which occur between June and August.
This year, lightning sparked 12 accidents and one death between May 4 and June 30, the newspaper said.
However, Song said the public's sense of safety is growing. In the past, the center would take the initiative in conducting its tests. These days, companies call them to make appointments. Any places that do not meet the safety standard will receive professional advice.