New Delhi – Lightning once a source of primal fear for early humans, remains a significant threat in the modern world, particularly in India. A recent study by Fakir Mohan University in Balasore, Odisha, has revealed a dramatic rise in lightning-related fatalities across the country. Analyzing data from India’s National Crime Records Bureau, the study found that nearly one-third of the 101,309 lightning deaths recorded between 1967 and 2020 occurred in just the last decade (2010-2020), with a staggering 29,804 deaths during that period.
The study also highlighted a nearly four-fold increase in the average annual fatalities due to lightning. Today, approximately 1,900 Indians die annually from lightning strikes, with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) logging the figure at around 2,500 for last year alone. Central and Northeast India bear the brunt of these deaths, followed by the Northwest and South, with states like Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh accounting for half of the total fatalities.
Scientists attribute this alarming rise in lightning-related deaths to extreme weather conditions and environmental degradation, both direct consequences of climate change. The regional topography of Central India, characterized by vast open plains, exacerbates vulnerability to lightning strikes. The future looks even grimmer: lightning incidents are expected to increase as climate change worsens. A 2021 report by the Lightning Resilient India Campaign noted a 34% increase in lightning strikes, with 18.5 million strikes recorded between April 2020 and March 2021.
Inadequacies in India’s Response to Lightning Strikes
The study also underscored a critical gap in India’s preparedness to handle lightning strikes compared to other climate-related disasters like floods and cyclones. Despite the increasing fatalities, India’s weather monitoring systems and institutional frameworks remain inadequate in mitigating the risks posed by lightning.
Vulnerable states such as Bihar and West Bengal have called for lightning to be declared a natural disaster, but these demands have been rejected. Additionally, 29 states, including Odisha, have yet to formulate a state lightning action plan, despite directives from the NDMA.
Interestingly, the United States has seen a steady decline in lightning strike mortality, suggesting that India could learn from the US’s proactive measures. Increased public awareness campaigns could play a crucial role in combating ignorance about lightning strikes, especially in rural areas where such incidents are more common.
As India continues to grapple with the challenges posed by climate change, addressing the rising threat of lightning strikes should become a priority for policymakers. Effective action plans and increased public awareness could help save lives and reduce the devastating impact of this natural phenomenon.
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