Table of Contents
Context
- For the first time, a report has mapped lightning strikes across the country, and the lives they have claimed.
- Prepared by Climate Resilient Observing Systems Promotion Council (CROPC), a non-profit organisation that works closely with India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Findings
- Lightning strikes have caused at least 1,311 deaths in the four-month
- UP accounted for highest of these deaths
- It counted 65.55 lakh lightning strikes in India during this four-month period.
- The other 41.04 lakh (64 per cent) were in-cloud lightning
- Odisha recorded over 9 lakh incidents of lightning (both kinds)
Importance
- Can help develop an early warning system for lightning, spread awareness, and prevent deaths.
- It is possible to predict, 30-40 minutes in advance
- The prediction is made possible through study and monitoring
- Timely dissemination of this information can save several lives.
- Lightning forecasts and warnings through mobile text messages from this year.
- However, this is not yet available in all regions
How does it strike?
- Temperatures towards the top of these clouds are in the range of minus 35 to minus 45 degrees Celsius.
- Falling temperature causes it to condense.
- Heat is generated in the process, which pushes the molecules of water further up.
- Smaller ice crystals are moving up and bigger crystals are coming down.
- Collisions follow, and trigger the release of electrons
- Top layer of the cloud gets positively charged, while the middle layer is negatively charged.
- This heat gives the air column a reddish appearance during lightning. As the heated air column expands, it produces shock waves that result in thunder.
Before the Calamity
- Finding a shelter house and estimating the time required to reach there.
- One must check the weather forecast for a thunderstorm before going out.
- Outdoor activities must be postponed
- One must get to a safe place immediately if thunder or distant rumble is heard
Safety Measures
- One must avoid open areas
- One must stay away from conductors
- Vehicle with closed windows must be used as a shelter.
- One must stand away from electrical equipment
- Water pipes also conduct electricity
- One must avoid being stuck in a crowd
- If someone is struck by lightning, urgent medical attention must be provided
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