Alarming Rise of Lightning Strikes in India

Understanding the Rising Dangers of Lightning Strikes in India

Lightning strikes have emerged as a significant cause of fatalities across India, particularly affecting states such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. Recent reports indicate a worrying increase in the number of deaths attributed to lightning compared to previous years. Often referred to as a "silent killer," lightning is responsible for more fatalities annually than heat waves, floods, landslides, and cyclones combined.

Factors Contributing to Increased Lightning Strikes

Several factors may be contributing to the rising frequency of lightning strikes. Global warming is believed to play a crucial role, leading to increased atmospheric temperatures and moisture. Studies suggest that these changes, linked to higher pollution levels and greenhouse gas emissions, result in more intense thunderstorms and lightning activity.

Lightning: Not Classified as a Natural Disaster

Despite its deadly toll, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has yet to classify lightning as a natural disaster. Some states, including Bihar, have sought this designation. The dispersed nature of lightning fatalities—often occurring sporadically rather than in concentrated bursts—may contribute to the absence of such classification.

Current Initiatives and Preventive Measures

The India Meteorological Department has launched the Lightning Resilient India Campaign aimed at reducing lightning-related deaths. Early warning systems and mobile applications, such as DAMINI, RAIN ALARM, MAUSAM, UMANG, and MEGHDOOT, are now in place to alert individuals about potential lightning strikes.

• States like Odisha have implemented early warning communication systems and awareness programs.
• Manufacturing and testing of lightning protection systems are ongoing, although their availability remains limited, especially in rural areas.
• Ongoing research and development efforts highlight the necessity for increased collaboration among organizations, academia, and funding bodies to enhance lightning mitigation strategies.

Why Lightning is a Silent Killer

Lightning is termed a "silent killer" for several reasons:

• Underreported Impact: Lightning causes more deaths annually than other weather-related events, yet it receives inadequate media coverage and public awareness.
• Scattered Deaths: Fatalities due to lightning are typically spread over time and geography, making the overall impact less noticeable.
• Lack of Headlines: Unlike catastrophic events that cause multiple casualties in one incident, lightning deaths rarely make significant news.
• Insufficient Recognition: Authorities often do not fully acknowledge lightning's deadly potential, as seen by its non-classification as a natural disaster.
• Sudden and Unpredictable: Lightning strikes can happen without warning, posing a threat to individuals who may not be aware of the risks.
• Lack of Visible Damage: Unlike floods or earthquakes, lightning leaves little visible destruction, leading to an underestimation of its impact.

The term "silent killer" underscores the urgency for greater awareness and preventive measures to address the significant yet often overlooked dangers associated with lightning strikes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Why are lightning strikes increasing in India?
Answer: Global warming, higher pollution levels, and rising temperatures are contributing to more frequent and intense lightning strikes across India.

Q2. What measures are being taken to reduce lightning deaths?
Answer: The India Meteorological Department has launched campaigns and mobile apps for early warnings, and some states are implementing communication systems for awareness.

Q3. Why is lightning not classified as a natural disaster?
Answer: The scattered nature of lightning fatalities and the lack of media attention contribute to its absence in disaster classifications by authorities.

Q4. What is the Lightning Resilient India Campaign?
Answer: It is an initiative by the India Meteorological Department aimed at reducing lightning-related fatalities through awareness and early warning systems.

Q5. How does lightning affect rural areas in India?
Answer: Rural areas face limited access to lightning protection systems and awareness programs, making them particularly vulnerable to lightning strikes.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the primary reason for the increase in lightning strikes in India?
A) Climate change
B) Urbanization
C) Deforestation
D) Industrialization
Correct Answer: A

Question 2: Which mobile app provides early warnings about lightning strikes?
A) UMANG
B) MEGHDOOT
C) DAMINI
D) RAIN ALARM
Correct Answer: C

Question 3: Why are lightning deaths often underreported?
A) Lack of technology
B) Scattered fatalities
C) Media negligence
D) All of the above
Correct Answer: D

Question 4: What campaign aims to reduce lightning-related deaths in India?
A) Disaster Resilience Campaign
B) Lightning Resilient India Campaign
C) National Safety Initiative
D) Weather Awareness Program
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: How does lightning primarily affect rural communities?
A) Increased rainfall
B) Limited awareness and protection
C) Power outages
D) Crop damage
Correct Answer: B