The recent demand from a few Indian states to declare “lightning” as a “natural disaster” stems from the fact that more deaths occur from it compared to other natural calamities in the country. Currently, disasters such as cyclones, droughts, earthquakes, fires, floods, tsunamis, hailstorms, landslides, avalanches, cloudbursts, pest attacks, frosts, and cold waves fall under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), receiving 75% funding from the Centre.
Understanding Lightning
Lightning is an electrical discharge of short duration and high voltage that occurs between a cloud and the ground or within a cloud. This natural phenomenon generates a bright flash, a loud sound, and often accompanies thunderstorms. The Cloud-to-ground (CG) type of lightning is particularly dangerous due to its high electric voltage and current, potent enough to electrocute people. Inter- or intra-cloud lightning, on the other hand, is mostly safe despite its visibility.
The Process of Lightning
The formation of lightning is triggered by disparities in electrical charge between the top and bottom of a cloud, producing a substantial electrical current. As the water vapor in the cloud condenses and ascends, heat is generated, propelling the water molecules further until they transform into ice crystals. The ensuing collisions between these ice crystals initiate the release of electrons, resulting in a chain reaction that forms positive and negative charge layers in the cloud. When the charge difference reaches a critical point, the immense electricity flow between the layers leads to the generation of heat, expansion of the air column, and production of shock waves that manifest as thunder sounds.
Impact of Climate Change on Lightning
A study conducted by the University of California in 2015 suggested that an increase of one degree Celsius could potentially raise the frequency of lightning strikes by 12%. Another research piece shared in Geophysical Research Letters in March 2021 established connections between climate change and enhanced lightning activity in the Arctic.
Lightning Strikes and Casualties in India
According to the Lightning Resilient India Campaign (LRIC), India reported up to 18.5 million lightning strikes between April 2020 and March 2021. Each year, lightning-induced incidents are responsible for over 2,500 deaths in the country. Furthermore, a study by the Delhi-based RMSI revealed that Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, and Jharkhand have experienced the highest number of lightning strikes in recent times. Government data shows more than 100,000 people have lost their lives to lightning between 1967 and 2019 in India, accounting for over a third of fatalities from natural disasters during the period.
Proposed Measures to Safeguard Against Lightning
Investment in early warning systems to alert about the risk of impending thunderstorms and lightning is one way to handle this. Weather radar, lightning detection networks, and mobile apps could be leveraged for this purpose. Additionally, educating rural communities about immediate and simple safety measures against lightning is vital, such as installing lightning rods on houses, staying inside during storms, and seeking shelter in safe structures.
Exploring Further Research and Development
The government can also encourage research and development projects to deepen the understanding of lightning and devise innovative methods to reduce associated dangers. This approach will not only add value to India’s disaster management capabilities but will also significantly contribute to safeguarding lives against this under-recognized natural hazard.
Aiding UPSC Civil Services Examination Aspirants
Understanding the nature and impact of lightning not only helps protect lives but also aids in answering questions in civil service examinations. For instance, one of the previous year’s questions asked about the cause of thunder in the sky during a thunderstorm. It was explained that thunder is the sound produced by the rapid expansion of air heated by a lightning bolt. Therefore, answering such queries correctly relies on a clear comprehension of topics like these.
