Mapping lightning across India

GS-III: Mapping lightning across India

News

For the first time a report has mapped lightning strikes across the country, and the lives they have claimed.

About the report

It has been prepared by Climate Resilient Observing Systems Promotion Council (CROPC), a non-profit organisation that works closely with India Meteorological Department (IMD).

What has the report found?

Lightning strikes have caused at least 1,311 deaths in the four-month period between April and July this year, according to a first-of-its-kind report on lightning incidents in India.
UP accounted for 224 of these deaths, followed by Bihar (170), Odisha (129) and Jharkhand (118).
It counted 65.55 lakh lightning strikes in India during this four-month period, of which 23.53 lakh (36 per cent) happened to be cloud-to-ground lightning, the kind that reaches the Earth.
The other 41.04 lakh (64 per cent) were in-cloud lightning, which remains confined to the clouds in which it was formed.

Why are these finding are important

The report is part of an effort to create a database that can help develop an early warning system for lightning, spread awareness, and prevent deaths.

Between 2,000 and 2,500 people are estimated as killed every year in lightning strikes in the country.

It is possible to predict, 30-40 minutes in advance when a lightning strike heads towards Earth.

The prediction is made possible through the study and monitoring of the in-cloud lightning strikes.

Timely dissemination of this information can save several lives.

After carrying out a pilot project in 16 states, the IMD has begun providing lightning forecasts and warnings through mobile text messages this year.

Source: Indian Express

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