The information was provided by the Minister of State (I / C) of M / o Earth Sciences and M / o Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply to Lok Sabha.
Lightning is a natural electrostatic discharge that occurs when two electrically charged circuits, both in space or one on the ground, temporarily degenerate, resulting in a sudden release of one giggle energy. in electromagnetic radiation, from the heat created by the rapid movement of electrons, to the radiant radiance of visible light in the form of radiation of a dark body.Lightning causes thunderstorms sound from which a rising tide rises as the gases near the outlet feel a sudden increase in pressure.Lightning usually occurs during thunderstorms and other extreme weather events, but volcanic lightning can occur during volcanic eruptions.
Causes of Lightning
The air acts as a barrier between good and bad costs in the clouds and between the cloud and the earth. When the opposing charges are built up enough, this air-conditioning system collapses, and a sudden power outage we know as lightning strikes.
During the rainy season, the winds in the middle of the cloud are very strong. The water droplets in the clouds are caught in the draft and are raised very high in very cold weather. At that moment, descent from the cloud pushes snow and hail from the cloud. When ice falls and meets rising water, electrons are released. the results are a cloud with a negative charge and a top charge positive. These power plants become stronger, the atmosphere acting as protection between them from the clouds Lightning happens.
The effects of Lightning strike on human health
About 90% of people who are struck by lightning survive, people – lightning strikers can be seriously injured due to damage to the internal organs and nervous system.
Lightning-related injuries include muscle aches, fractures, heart palpitations, confusion, hearing loss, fainting, burns, behavioral changes, and cataracts. Loss of consciousness is most common immediately after a stroke.
Indeed, nerve and muscle damage can also affect a person throughout his or her life. Those who have suffered a muscle injury are at risk of developing rhabdomyolysis, a condition in which a person’s muscles begin to break down, resulting in toxic proteins that fill the bloodstream and may cause kidney damage.
Lightning strikes can lead to fever, ear infections, eye injuries, heart failure, and respiratory failure.
Role of India Meteorological Department and itswarnings
The Ministry of Earth Sciences, through the India Meteorological Department (IMD), issues forecasts and warnings of thunderstorms and weather-related five days in advance and regular updates.
The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, an independent research institute under the auspices of the Department of Earth Sciences (MoES), has set up a smart network technically installed in 83 locations in the country to detect and detect lightning strikes with greater accuracy. The central processor of this network located at IITM, detects and analyzes the signal obtained from the network and identifies the lightning strike area with an accuracy of less than 500 m. The output from this network is shared by IMD and various Provincial Governments and is currently being used for broadcast purposes.
From the National Meteorological Agency to the IMD, these forecasts and warnings are given at the lowest level of weather forecasts and the State Meteorological Centers issue the same at the regional level. In addition, thunderstorms and catastrophic weather events are covered by the nowcast (next 3 hour weather forecast) in the area by the State Meteorological Centers. The center is currently expanded to1084 in alldistricts and stations across the country.
Damini Lightning App
By 2020, Damini Lightning applications were developed by IITM-Pune. The App monitors all lightning operations occurring in India and notifies a person when lightning strikes near a person with GPS notification below the 20KM and 40KM radius. Security measures are provided in the mobile app while it is in the lightning preferences. It also provides lightning warning in the permissible area for the next 40 minutes. There are more than 5 lakhs downloads of Damini app in India.
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)initiatives and measures to address the Lightning disaster
• The NDMA has issued specific advice to Do’s and Don’ts on Thunderstorm and Lightning to State Governments / UTs on taking appropriate action.
• The NDMA produced IEC materials such as TVCs, Pocket Books containing do’s and don’ts, audio and visual effects with thunder and lightning.
•Special panel discussion (TV Debate) on the program ‘AapdakaSaamna’ in Doordarshan.
• NDMA Reviewed and Measures to Reduce Thunderstorms and Lightning with Video Conferencing (VC) and the worst-affected States.
• Develop an early warning system for thunderstorms and lightning strikes.
• The Social Media campaign on thunder and lightning was carried out by the NDMA. What to do and what not to share in the NDMA forums and videos to be posted on twitter and Facebook.
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