By Col Prof Sanjay Srivastava, Chairman, Climate Resilient Observing Systems Promotion Council and Convener of lightning Resilient India Campaign, Advisor, Avoidable deaths Network
Lightning is an awe-inspiring, natural but fascinating phenomenon since times immemorial. But in recent times, it has shown sharp increase in its frequency, severity, intensity and dimensions in many parts of the world, especially in tropical and developing countries; and so the fatalities. The root cause of this alarming trend is none other than global warming and climate change. Studies from various parts of the world have proved that with each 1° Celsius rise in temperature, there is corresponding rise of up to 12% in moisture lightning
Lightning, as we know, is the atmospheric discharge of electricity. While convective thunderstorms are the main lightning source in many parts of the world, they can also be generated in other types of storms such as sand storms, hail storms and snowstorms. Heat, moisture and instability are the basic tenets for development of thunderstorms and lightning. It is an instant surge of extremely high electric current, temperature, sound and energy which cumulatively cause lethal impact.
The Rising Threat of Lightning Strikes – Worldwide around 24,000 deaths and 240,000 injuries per year are estimated, according to the National Institutes of Health and other sources , though the same figure of deaths is 2000 deaths per year globally due to lightning by World Meteorological Organization (WMO). This is likely an underestimate, as many lightning-related deaths go unreported, particularly in rural and remote areas. The majority of lightning-related fatalities occur in Africa, Asia, and South America, where vulnerable populations are exposed to the elements. More so, the studies in India have found a large number of deaths of animals too, besides damage to unsafe housing and livelihood .
Climate Change: The Catalyst for Lightning Strikes Climate change is altering the global weather patterns, leading to an increase in extreme weather events, including thunderstorms and lightning strikes. The link between a warming world , changing climate and increased lightning is rooted in the physics of thunderstorms. Global warming provides the perfect fuel for more powerful electrical storms :-
- Increased Atmospheric Moisture: For every 1° Celsius rise in temperature, the atmosphere can hold about 7-12% more moisture and hence the corresponding rise in lightning. This increased water vapor creates an environment “ripe” for convection—the rapid vertical movement of warm, moist air that forms towering thunderclouds (cumulonimbus clouds).
- More Convective Energy (CAPE): Warmer surface temperatures increase the Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE), essentially a measure of the atmospheric instability and the strength of the air’s updraft. Stronger updrafts lead to deeper clouds with greater vertical extension.
- Changing precipitation patterns: Shifts in precipitation patterns, such as more frequent and intense rainfall, contribute to the formation of thunderstorms and lightning.
- Increased atmospheric instability: Climate change is altering the atmospheric circulation patterns, leading to increased instability and the formation of thunderstorms.
- Charge Separation: Inside these deeper, more energetic clouds, the constant collision of ice crystals and heavier hailstones generates static electricity and a greater separation of positive and negative charges. When this charge difference becomes large enough to overwhelm the air’s insulating capacity, lightning strikes.
Impact on Vulnerable Populations
Lightning has most adversely impacted marginalised communities specially those exposed due to unsafe housing and livelihood practices. The impact of lightning strikes is disproportionately felt by vulnerable populations, including:
1. Rural communities: Limited access to emergency services, poor infrastructure, and lack of awareness about lightning safety increase the risk of fatalities.
2. Agricultural workers: Farmers and agricultural workers are more likely to be exposed to lightning strikes while working outdoors.
3. Children and elderly: These groups are more susceptible to lightning-related injuries and fatalities due to limited mobility and awareness.
Lack of education and awareness among communities at rural grass root level has been the main cause and socio-economic vulnerability. Basic knowledge about lightning, its risks, how to utilise available early warning, timing of forecast, mitigation measures like availability of lightning safe shelters and lightning protection rods have been found wanting.
Adaptation and Mitigation strategies against lightning
Building Lightning Resilience of Communities India leads by example adopting two pronged strategies climate change adaptation and lightning mitigation programme coupled with community engagements and awareness
To address the rising threat of lightning strikes, governments, organizations, and communities must work together to implement mitigation and adaptation strategies. Addressing this crisis requires a two-pronged approach: first combating the root cause that is climate change and second technology based enhancing resilience against the immediate threat.
- Climate Action: The most crucial long-term solution is a global commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to curb global warming and stabilize atmospheric conditions. Climate Change adaptation plan, customised to the vulnerable areas need to be undertaken.
- Lightning Early Warning Systems and Lightning Protection Systems – To save life from lightning , both, warning system and lightning safe shelters are mandatory. Common people need to be sensitised about it.
- Lightning Early Warning and Dissemination Systems- Lightning being an instant hazard, the Lightning warning should be Targeted Warning Systems. Implementing and promoting sophisticated, location-specific early warning systems, automated Computer Aided despatch (CAD) systems, mobile applications, public alert poles, community watchman such as hat provide real-time thunderstorm alerts, is vital.
- Building Lightning Safe Shelters by installation of Lightning protection Devices- Investment in community lightning safe shelters in high-risk rural areas and the installation of basic lightning protection systems (LPS) on vulnerable public buildings and homes is critical. This includes proper grounding systems and lightning rods.
- Public Awareness and Education: Widespread, culturally appropriate public awareness campaigns are needed to educate high-risk groups on the appropriate personal safety actions:
- When thunder roars, go indoors to a safe, fully enclosed structure (like a large building with grounded wiring/plumbing or a hard-top vehicle).
- Avoid isolated tall objects like trees, poles, or open fields.
- Get out of and away from water immediately.
- Climate-resilient agriculture: Promote climate-resilient agricultural practices, such as agroforestry and crop diversification, to reduce the risk of lightning-related losses.
India Leads the way by Climate Change Adaptation Plan and National programme on lightning
India, under the dynamic leadership of Mr. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister has undertaken proactive strategies. In fact, it was COP Paris 2015, wherein Lightning was referred to in COP Paris 2015 by PM India as a byproduct of extremities of Climate change. India’s Primate Minister Mr. Modi at COP Paris in 2015 had stated – India’s problems show how the poor are most exposed to changes in the environment. It also, however, demonstrates the desperate need for economic development. While reducing global warming may slow the increase in lightning deaths, the fastest way to help these farmers is to get them off the fields.
India’s Climate Change adaptation measures include developing climate resilient infrastructures and strengthening disaster preparedness through robust and reliable early warning against all extreme weather events. Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) has emerged as a flagship organisation contributing to the global mission of climate resilient infrastructures, especially in Caribbean, African, Asian and critically vulnerable nations. International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an India led global initiative towards transitions from conventional to renewable solar energy. It has yielded rich dividends in curbing the heat and carbon emissions.
Disaster Preparedness in India has invested in formulation and implementation of mitigation programmes. Post laudable success of National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Programme (NCRMP) wherein India could bring down the cyclone deaths more than 1000 deaths in 1999 supercyclone to nearly zero casualties within a decade. India’s latest National Disaster Mitigation Fund of Rs 100000 USD is directed to address extreme events like Glacial Lake Outburst Flash Floods (GLOF), Lightning, Cloud Bursts, Flash Floods, Urban flooding etc. is significantly assisting in faster and sustainable economic growth of the country, specially marginalized and vulnerable communities and critical assets. Adaptation of risk Financing measures against hazards through parametric and other insurances give comprehensive financial security to communities against disasters.
The country is also focusing on sustainable agriculture with initiatives like promoting climate-resilient crop varieties and groundwater conservation, and enhancing natural resources like expanding afforestation, and restoring mangroves through programs like MISHTI. Urban centres are adopting heat action plans and promoting sustainable design, while the rural sector is using tools to aid climate risk-informed planning, such as the CRISP-M tool for communities.
Infrastructure and disaster management
- Climate-resilient infrastructure: Building infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events, including strengthening large dams.
- Disaster preparedness: Strengthening disaster preparedness through early warning systems, evacuation plans, and building multi-purpose cyclone shelters.
- Urban planning: Developing climate-resilient cities through initiatives like the National Mission for Sustainable Habitat, which promotes low-carbon growth, energy efficiency, and better waste management.
- Heat action plans: Cities are implementing heat action plans that include planting trees for shade, issuing heatwave warnings, and providing drinking water in public spaces to cope with increasing heat.
Agriculture and water
- Resilient agriculture: Promoting crop diversification, using high-yielding varieties, and adopting climate-resilient agricultural practices.
- Groundwater conservation: Implementing measures to conserve and improve groundwater levels.
- Water management: Improving water use efficiency and formulating basin-level management strategies under the National Water Mission.
Ecosystem and natural resources
- Afforestation and forest conservation: Expanding afforestation efforts to create natural carbon sinks and enhance ecosystem resilience.
- Mangrove restoration: Restoring mangroves, such as through the Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI), to protect coastlines.
- Sustainable development: The National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem focuses on conserving biodiversity and forest cover in the Himalayan region.
Rural and community-based measures
- Rural development: Using tools like the CRISP-M mobile and web-based tool to provide climate risk information and early warnings to communities, supporting climate-resilient livelihoods through programs like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).
- Community knowledge: Integrating community knowledge with scientific data to inform planning and implementation at the local level.
Energy and transportation
- Clean energy: Ramping up clean energy production, including solar and wind power, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
- Electric vehicles (EVs): Promoting the adoption of electric vehicles through schemes and infrastructure development, such as the FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) scheme.
- Energy efficiency: Improving energy efficiency through initiatives like the Energy Conservation Building Code.
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) initiative on Lightning Mitigation- National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), apex disaster management agency of India is implementing a National comprehensive mitigation programme on lightning . The programme is a multi-pronged, multi stake holder approach focused on community based lightning risk management, especially at grass root level among vulnerable communities. Its main aim is to save the lives of humans and animals. The programme has a proper Lightning framework with major components
- Strengthening Lightning Early warning and Dissemination systems
- Preparedness and Mitigation by installing Lightning safe shelters
- Community Awareness , education and sensitisation programmes
- Research and Development in thematic areas
- Establishment of Lightning Hazard management Units from national, state , district levels to the Gram Panchayats
Lightning Resilient India Campaign :Community Based Initiative
The Lightning Resilient India Campaign is a national initiative led by the Climate Resilient Observing Systems Promotion Council (CROPC) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD), with support from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). It aims to reduce lightning-related deaths and injuries through awareness, education, and early warning systems, focusing on both community-level preparedness and the development of localized, indigenous technologies. The campaign uses multi-stakeholder collaboration to involve communities, government bodies, and academic institutions to build a more resilient society against lightning strikes. It has adopted two pronged approach, in consonance with the national strategy , first Climate Change adaptation measures and second Comprehensive science and technology based Lightning mitigation and awareness programmes.
Key aspects of the campaign:
- Awareness and Education: The campaign conducts outreach programs to sensitize vulnerable communities, especially in rural areas, on lightning safety. This includes publicizing simple “do’s and don’ts” and involving local bodies like Gram Panchayats.
- Early Warning Systems: It focuses on developing and implementing precise lightning detection, forecasting, and alert systems, extending them to the “last mile” through community volunteers.
- Capacity Building: Training is provided to disaster managers, paramedics, and administrators to enhance their capacity to respond to lightning incidents. It also focuses on building lightning-safe infrastructure in schools and community centers.
- Technological Indigenization: A significant goal is the domestic production of lightning detection sensors and other technologies, often by bringing together educational institutions and private agencies.
- Data and Mapping: The campaign uses scientific mapping of lightning strikes across India to identify high-risk areas, or “hotspots,” to focus efforts and resources effectively.
- Multi-stakeholder Approach: The initiative’s success is built on collaboration between various organizations, including government departments, academic and research institutions, NGOs, and community groups.
- Long-term Goals: Beyond immediate safety, the campaign is working on long-term, climate-action solutions to reduce the frequency of extreme lightning events by mitigating the warming that contributes to the
The increasing danger of lightning is a stark reminder that the impacts of climate change are not just future projections; they are a deadly reality today, especially for the world’s most vulnerable populations.
The Indian model of two pronged strategies – climate change adaptation measures and Lightning mitigation programmes, is an example how these can be tackled addressing its root cause through two pronged strategies , both climate change adaptation and hazard specific comprehensive mitigation and risk transfer mechanisms.
Conclusion
The rising threat of lightning strikes is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of climate change on human lives and livelihoods. India leads by example and It is imperative that other nations take immediate action to address this issue and work towards creating a more resilient and climate-aware world. By collaborating and implementing effective mitigation and adaptation strategies, we can reduce the risk of lightning-related fatalities and create a safer future for all.
This video shows how proactively India has mapped lightning and undertaken proactive strategies .
Please read the article ; Lightning A striking trend- how India is tackling at: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/natural-disasters/a-striking-trend by Col Prof Sanjay Srivastava, Chairman, Climate Resilient Observing Systems Promotion Council and Convener of lightning Resilient India Campaign
YouTube link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_p9DO2AGow
Lightning Resilient India Campaign at website of India Meteorological Department – https://imetsociety.org/wp-content/pdf/vayumandal/2021471/2021471_5.pdf
Lightning Resilience in India at NDMA Website – https://ndma.gov.in/sites/default/files/NLJuly24/images/LIGHTNING-RESILIENCE-IN-INDIA.pdf
Lightning Resilient India Campaign at website Climate Resilient Observing Systems Promotion Council- https://www.cropc.org/lightning-resilient-india-campaign
Sources:
1. World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
2. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
3. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
4. National Disaster Management Authority, Government of India
5. India Meteorological Department
6. National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
7. Climate Resilient Observing Systems Promotion Council
8. Coalition of Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)
9. International Solar Alliance
10. Ministry of Earth Science
11. Ministry of Environment , Forest , Environment and Climate Change Geographic