Description

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context:

Climate change is making lightning strikes around the world more common and deadlier. Every year, around 24,000 people around the world are killed by such strikes; in India, lightning strikes killed 2,887 people in 2022.

What is Lightning?

Lightning is an electrical discharge between charged particles in a cloud and the ground. Objects can be classified as electrical conductors or insulators, but this depends on the electrical energy acting on the object.

For example, the air around us is an electrical insulator: it doesn’t transport electric charges. But if it is subjected to a high voltage of around 3 million V/m, its insulating properties break down and it can transport a current.

Current Scenario of Lightening in India:

India's Early Warning System	India is among the top five countries with an early warning system for lightning. Provides forecasts ranging from five days to as close as three hours before lightning occurs.
Lightning Fatalities (2021)	According to NCRB data, lightning caused 2,880 deaths, accounting for 40% of accidental deaths due to "forces of nature." There is an increasing trend in lightning-related fatalities compared to other natural events.
Geographical Distribution	Highest lightning frequency in northeastern states, West Bengal, Sikkim, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Bihar. Central Indian states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha report higher fatalities. Bihar is one of the most vulnerable states to lightning strikes, with a high annual death toll. In 2023, Bihar recorded 100+ deaths due to lightning.

About Lightning rod:

It is a metal rod mounted on a structure and intended to protect the structure from a lightning strike. It is an interception system that has the aim of intercepting atmospheric electric discharges and conducting them safely to Earth.

READ IN DETAIL ABOUT LIGHTNING

LIGHTNING

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/lightning

Source:

THE HINDU

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Lightning strikes are a major natural hazard in India, with significant socio-economic impacts. Discuss the current scenario of lightning fatalities in India, the measures taken to predict and mitigate lightning-related risks. (250 words)