Lightning Strikes Iconic Jesus Statue in Rio De Janeiro Chipping Off Christ's Right Thumb

Lightning Strikes Iconic Jesus Statue in Rio De Janeiro Chipping Off Christ's Right Thumb

The statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil was struck by lightning late Thursday night. Though the majority of the iconic statue remains intact, the storm did chip off part of Jesus' right thumb according to Friday reports. In December, part of the right middle finger had been damaged as well.

Not new to lightning strikes, the statue of Christ the Redeemer was renovated in 2010 due to a damaged face and several hand chips. The renovations cost a reported $4 million.

Using the scaffolding built during the renovations, vandals spray painted the statue on the arms and chest in April the same year. Described as a "crime against the nation," by Rio's mayor, the statue was desecrated with messages like "when the cat's away, the rats will play" and references to unresolved murders in the area. 

Father Omar Raposo, the Archdiocese of Rio and manager of the statue, says he hopes the repairs will be made soon. Ever since the statue was built in 1931 the Church has stocked the same stone it was originally built with for renovation purposes.

The same storm caused flooding in the streets and power outages in several neighborhoods inside the city.

Photographers caught some incredible photographs while lightning flashed over the 125 ft statue on top of Corcovado Hill.

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