In March and April 2025, India witnessed a dramatic increase in lightning-related fatalities. At least 162 people lost their lives across 12 states, marking a 184 per cent rise compared to the same period in 2024. This surge has raised concerns about the effectiveness of disaster management and public awareness regarding lightning safety.
Recent Trends in Lightning Fatalities
The data indicates that the first half of April 2025 was particularly devastating. A staggering 142 deaths occurred during this period alone. This represents a fivefold increase from the previous year, where only 28 fatalities were reported in April 2024. March 2025 saw 20 deaths, a slight decrease from 29 in March 2024. Overall, this has been the deadliest March-April period for lightning since 2022.
Bihar – The Epicentre of Lightning Strikes
Bihar emerged as the worst-affected state, accounting for 99 of the total lightning deaths. Notably, 98 fatalities occurred within a mere six days from April 9 to April 14, making it the deadliest month for lightning in Bihar since 2017. The state experienced zero fatalities in March and April during the previous two years, denoting the unusual nature of this spike.
Factors Contributing to the Surge
Experts attribute this alarming rise to atmospheric instability caused by moist easterly winds from the Bay of Bengal. These winds interacted with western disturbances and jet streams, creating conditions conducive to thunderstorms and lightning. While lightning is a natural phenomenon, the associated fatalities could be mitigated with improved preparedness.
The Role of Public Awareness and Preparedness
Despite forecasts warning of severe weather conditions, many deaths were deemed avoidable. A issue lies in public awareness regarding lightning safety. For instance, 23 fatalities were reported in Nalanda, where individuals sought shelter under trees and dilapidated structures. The absence of timely action from disaster management authorities exacerbated the situation.
Importance of Early Warning Systems
India has developed early warning systems for lightning and other natural disasters. However, the effectiveness of these systems relies heavily on timely action and public compliance. The mobile app SACHET was designed to alert communities to imminent threats, yet many villagers disregarded the warnings. There is a pressing need for robust communication strategies to ensure that warnings are effectively disseminated and acted upon.
Learning from Other States
States like Odisha have demonstrated effective disaster management strategies that could be emulated. Bihar and Uttar Pradesh must enhance their disaster response capabilities, focusing on public education and proactive measures to minimise casualties during lightning events.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the impact of climate change on the frequency of extreme weather events in India.
- What measures can be implemented to improve disaster management in lightning-prone regions? Discuss with examples.
- Point out the challenges faced by rural communities in responding to early weather warnings in India.
- Estimate the role of technology in enhancing public safety during natural disasters in India.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the impact of climate change on the frequency of extreme weather events in India.
- Climate change leads to increased atmospheric instability, resulting in more frequent and severe weather events.
- Rising temperatures contribute to enhanced moisture in the atmosphere, which fuels thunderstorms and lightning.
- Historical data indicates uptick in extreme weather occurrences over the past decades, particularly in monsoon seasons.
- India’s diverse geography makes it susceptible to various climate impacts, including floods, droughts, and extreme heat.
- Predictive models suggest that without intervention, the frequency of extreme weather events will continue to rise, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities.
2. What measures can be implemented to improve disaster management in lightning-prone regions? Discuss with examples.
- Establishing robust early warning systems that provide timely alerts about impending lightning storms.
- Enhancing public awareness campaigns focusing on lightning safety and preparedness measures, similar to those in Odisha.
- Training local disaster management teams to respond effectively to lightning-related emergencies.
- Implementing community drills and educational programs to familiarize residents with safety protocols.
- Utilizing technology, such as mobile apps like SACHET, to disseminate warnings and safety information rapidly.
3. Point out the challenges faced by rural communities in responding to early weather warnings in India.
- Lack of access to reliable communication infrastructure hinders the dissemination of warning messages.
- Low literacy levels in rural areas may prevent effective understanding and utilization of warning information.
- Distrust or skepticism towards warnings can lead to non-compliance with safety measures.
- Geographical isolation makes it difficult for authorities to reach and assist affected populations promptly.
- Limited resources and training for local disaster management teams impede effective response efforts.
4. Estimate the role of technology in enhancing public safety during natural disasters in India.
- Technology facilitates real-time data collection and analysis, improving forecasting accuracy for extreme weather events.
- Mobile applications provide immediate alerts and safety information directly to communities at risk.
- Geographical Information Systems (GIS) enhance planning and response strategies by mapping vulnerable areas.
- Social media platforms can be leveraged for rapid information dissemination and community engagement.
- Remote sensing technology aids in monitoring environmental changes and assessing disaster impacts efficiently.
