In Madhya Pradesh, lightning strikes deadlier than floods, heatwaves, officials doubt NCRB data
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Madhya Pradesh India's lightning hotspot
According to the report by the Climate Resilient Observing Systems Promotion Council (CROPC) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Madhya Pradesh recorded 987,095 lightning flashes in 2022-23- the country's highest. Saurabh Kumar, Deputy Director of the State Disaster Management Authority told Ground Report,
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Experts urge better warnings, education for lightning safety
"The high casualties in Madhya Pradesh are due to the lack of an effective early warning system and unsafe sheltering practices among the rural populace, particularly farmers. Most fatalities occur when individuals seek refuge under trees during thunderstorms, not realizing the increased risk."
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He further added, "To ensure the safety of our population during lightning strikes, we've implemented an alert system including SMS alerts and the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP). This system sends real-time notifications to people's mobile phones, ensuring they receive critical warnings promptly." When asked, whether the lightning alert system is saving lives, the official did not confirm or deny its effectiveness.
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Climate Change & pollution increases lightning frequency
The impact of climate change on lightning frequency is well established. A 2014 US study found that for every 1°Celsius rise in global air temperature, there is a 12% increase in lightning strikes. By 2100, there could be a 50% rise in lightning strikes, assuming a 4°C temperature rise. With rising global temperatures, the trend is worrying for regions like Madhya Pradesh already grappling with high lightning activity, with nearly 1 million lightning strikes in 2022-23.
The link between climate change and increased lightning is multifaceted. Rising temperatures lead to more atmospheric instability and moisture, contributing to thunderstorm formation. Warmer temperatures provide more heat energy to fuel storm clouds, making them more energetic and prone to lightning. A warmer atmosphere with higher moisture leads to more vigorous thunderstorms and increased lightning.
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Innovative global solutions
Experts from various countries have proposed other solutions. Chandima Gomes, a professor of high-voltage engineering at the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa, suggests using repurposed materials like cargo containers as "safe shelters." Some countries have effective public awareness campaigns and slogans like "When Thunders Roars, Go Indoors!' have reduced lightning deaths.
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