The findings were reported today by the state-run Xinhua News Agency, summarizing a study by two Chinese meteorologists. The findings indicated the Haidian area in north Beijing had a high frequency of lightning strikes in the 1995-2005 period.

Researchers Guo Hu and Xiong Yajun said the location of universities and research institutes, sophisticated electronic equipment and tall buildings might explain the frequency. Another area of north Beijing — Chaoyang — is also prone to lightning. The study showed Haidian was hit 4.7 times per year and Chaoyang 2.5 times.

The report did not say there was any specific threat to Olympic venues.

Compared with other parts of north China, Beijing is more likely to be hit by thunderstorms and lightning because of geography and meteorological conditions, the researchers said.

Xinhua reported separately today that 499 Chinese have been killed by lightning strikes so far this year. The total is 199 more than the same period last year, it said, citing the China Meteorological Administration.

Lightning killed 717 people and injured 640 last year.