" It concluded that the EMP effects of such an attack at altitudes between 40 and 400 miles above this country could so severely disrupt, both directly and indirectly, electronics and electrical systems as to create a "damage level...sufficient to be catastrophic to the Nation.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: The terror next time

While the reason for the phenomenon is unknown, some scientists believe the electrical activity is due to the proximity of the sea-level lake to the Andes.

BBC: Venezuela��s Andean playground