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Jharkhand is among the six states in India highly sensitive to thunder and lightning. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons
In the last 20 years, Jharkhand has seen 3,370 deaths from lightning strikes. The number highlights the growing danger posed by lightning in the state, identified as one of India’s most lightning-prone regions.
Jharkhand, a state in the eastern part of India, has experienced significant lightning strikes over the past two decades. The study used satellite data and National Crime Records Bureau records, indicating a consistent and growing threat of lightning.
Growing lightning deaths
A study published early this year reveals most lightning strikes occur during the monsoon months, with peaks in certain years. In 2006, over 100,000 lightning flashes occurred, while 2018 saw just 40,000.
The states with the highest lightning strike fatalities are Madhya Pradesh (496), Bihar (329), Odisha (316), Uttar Pradesh (301), and Jharkhand (267). However, Jharkhand’s disaster management department suggests the actual death toll is higher, with 350 fatalities in 2021-2022. This indicates a worrying trend, with casualties rising. Jharkhand recorded 144 fatalities in 2014-2015, but the number has exceeded 300 deaths per year since 2020. Between 2000 and 2021, over 49,000 people across India have lost their lives to lightning strikes.
The study found that lightning activity in Jharkhand is seasonal, peaking between March and October, especially in June during the monsoon. This period has high humidity, atmospheric instability, and fluctuating temperatures, ideal for thunderstorms and lightning. Activity rises in March, peaks in June, and decreases by October, with minimal strikes in November and December. This pattern shows lightning activity’s connection to the region’s climatic conditions, especially the monsoon.
Manoranjan Mishra, a geography professor at Fakir Mohan University, told Ground Report that
"conditions are very feasible for lightning activity because of mining. Mining areas support condensation and are elevated, increasing cloud-to-ground lightning strikes. In India, regions like Jharkhand, West Bengal, and parts of Chhattisgarh have a high density of lightning strikes."
Men are worst victims
The rising number of lightning strike fatalities is concerning. Between 2001 and 2020, 3,370 deaths were recorded due to lightning, with 70.39% males, 29.43% females, and 0.18% transgender individuals.
These fatalities highlight the impact of lightning on males, who are more likely to engage in outdoor activities like farming, construction, and labour, increasing their exposure. The study found that for every 1,000 male fatalities, there were 418 female fatalities, reflecting the higher risk for men in outdoor conditions.
As Professor Mishra explained, "In India, culture dictates that males work outside more than females. The labour class is dominated by men, explaining their exposure to lightning. If you're inside your house, you're safer, but if you work outside for long hours, your chances of being struck increase. This is why the death rate is higher among men."
The study highlighted 2016 as a deadly year for lightning fatalities, with 542 deaths (405 males and 137 females), the highest number over the study period, signalling intense and widespread lightning strikes. In contrast, the lowest fatalities were in 2001, with 17 deaths. This data reveals that while overall fatalities have increased, the risk isn’t constant year by year, and lightning strikes can be deadlier during certain years.
The study data indicates that lightning strike fatalities in Jharkhand have risen over the last two decades. From 2001 to 2010, there were 813 fatalities, but between 2011 and 2020, this increased to 2,563 deaths, marking a 31.72% rise in the second decade. This increase reflects the growing risk of lightning strikes and underscores the urgent need for targeted safety measures to protect the population.
Lightning peaks in afternoon & evening
Data from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology’s Lightning Detection Network shows a 53% rise in lightning strikes between 2019 and 2023 across the country, with some states seeing over 300% increases.
The Ministry of Earth Sciences, IMD, and the Pune-based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) aim to reduce lightning-related deaths. One initiative is the Damini App, which sends warnings before lightning strikes, but the lead time is only 30-40 minutes.
Professor Mishra explained, "We use satellite data from TRMM and ISS LIS satellites, which track lightning activity. Most lightning occurs between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., peaking around 3 p.m. This is when conditions for lightning are most favourable, with high temperature and moisture, especially during the monsoon."
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The study analysed the diurnal variation in lightning activity. The highest number of strikes occurred in the afternoon, between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM, with over 13,000 strikes. Significant activity was recorded between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM, with 11,500 strikes. In contrast, the morning saw fewer strikes, with the lowest at 7:00 AM. These patterns highlight the importance of being aware of lightning risks during the afternoon and evening, particularly during the monsoon months when activity peaks.
Jharkhand’s vulnerability to lightning strikes stems from its diverse geography, including hilly areas, dense forests, and vast agricultural fields, which create favourable conditions for thunderstorms and lightning. Its central-northeastern location and tropical climate also contribute to the high frequency of strikes.
The region receives an average of 1,400 mm of annual rainfall, mostly during the monsoon season. This high rainfall, coupled with rising temperatures, creates an environment prone to frequent and intense lightning strikes during the rainy season.
Climate change increases lightning strikes, risks
The study also points out the intersection between climate change and lightning in Jharkhand and the rest of the country. The average temperature in India has increased by around 0.7 degrees Celsius between 1901 and 2018 due to climate change. India is facing new temperature-breaking records, where 2016 and 2020, 2023, 2024 have been the hottest years in the last century.
As global temperatures rise, lightning strikes’ frequency and intensity have increased, especially during the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons when fluctuating temperatures and humidity create ideal thunderstorm conditions. Climate change’s unpredictable weather patterns make forecasting and preparing for lightning strikes harder.
Professor Mishra said, "With climate change, we're seeing more unpredictability in monsoon patterns. There are increasing instances of heavy rainfall within short periods, leading to intense lightning activity. The government must monitor these changes closely and prepare for more frequent and intense lightning events."
A major reason for the high fatalities in Jharkhand is the vulnerability of its rural population. The state has a predominantly rural population, with about 59% of the workforce in agriculture. Many of these workers spend long hours outdoors during the peak lightning season, making them more susceptible to strikes.
The study found rural areas often lack basic infrastructure like lightning rods or safe shelters, increasing thunderstorm risks. Additionally, rural communities are often uninformed about lightning safety measures, exacerbating their vulnerability.
High lightning activity in Pashchimi Singhbhum, Simdega
The study identified lightning activity patterns in Jharkhand. The eastern, northeastern, central, and southern regions consistently had high to very high flash rate densities. Pashchimi Singhbhum, Purbi Singhbhum, and Simdega recorded the most flashes, with Pashchimi Singhbhum alone accounting for over 139,000 flashes, or 11.12% of the total. In contrast, Lohardaga and Kodarma had fewer than 30,000 strikes each.
The study revealed that the southeastern and southern parts of the state are vulnerable to frequent lightning, suggesting prioritisation for safety measures.
Professor Mishra proposed developing lightning calendars for at-risk regions to inform when lightning activity is likely, allowing farmers and the public to be cautious. Localised forecasting can predict block-level lightning activity, reducing deaths.
Safety measures and compensations
Given the rising risk of lightning fatalities, the study recommends measures to reduce deaths and injuries. One key recommendation is implementing early warning systems for real-time alerts to communities about impending lightning strikes via mobile apps or SMS, allowing shelter before the storm. Public awareness campaigns are essential to educate people about lightning safety, such as avoiding open spaces and seeking shelter in buildings during thunderstorms.
On January 29, 2025, the High-Level Committee (HLC), chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, approved Rs. 3027.86 crore for disaster mitigation projects in various states. The committee also approved the Lightning Safety Mitigation Project in 10 states, including Jharkhand, with a total outlay of Rs. 186.78 crore.
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Professor Mishra emphasised, "Awareness campaigns should be specific and targeted. General programs aren't enough. We need to identify vulnerable regions and tailor strategies to effectively reduce deaths."
Another recommendation is to build lightning-safe shelters in rural areas and install lightning rods in vulnerable locations. Prioritise schools, community centers, and agricultural fields. The study suggests gender-specific interventions to address the higher risk faced by men, particularly those working outdoors in farming or labour.
In response to these fatalities, the Jharkhand government provides compensation to victims’ families. For death caused by thunder and lightning, the government offers Rs 4 lakh. Injured individuals can receive up to Rs 2 lakh, while property damage compensation varies between Rs 2,100 and Rs 95,100. Cattle owners whose animals die due to lightning strikes can receive compensation ranging from Rs 3,000 to Rs 30,000.
Professor Mishra concluded, "To reduce lightning-related deaths, the government must identify vulnerable regions, track patterns, and create advisories. Developing a lightning calendar for farmers and designing policies to limit exposure during peak times would be effective. Financial support for farmers to mitigate risks could help."
Experts suggest 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.
Ground Report previously reported on the impact of lightning strikes in Jammu & Kashmir, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh, highlighting the administration's inaction.
Lightning poses a growing threat in Jharkhand, with increasing fatalities and impacts on the rural population. Urgent action is needed to protect vulnerable communities. By implementing early warning systems, improving infrastructure, and raising public awareness, the risk of lightning-related fatalities can be reduced, ensuring residents’ safety. As climate change affects weather patterns, Jharkhand must take proactive steps to reduce the impact of this hazard.
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