Lightning claims 17 lives in first week of monsoon:Know why MP records highest number of lightning strikes

With the onset of the monsoon, the risk of lightning strikes has risen sharply in Madhya Pradesh. In the first week of the season alone, more than 17 people and several cattle have died in lightning incidents across Chhindwara, Shahdol, Khandwa, Sehore, Mandsaur, and Raisen districts, while 13 others have been seriously injured. Statistics show Madhya Pradesh is among the states worst affected by lightning, with an average of around 500 deaths every year. In this Sunday Story, we explore why the state records such a high number of lightning strikes and the geographical and scientific factors behind them. Why lightning strikes most frequent in MP According to meteorologist Arun Sharma, a combination of natural, geographical, and seasonal factors plays a role behind the higher incidence of lightning strikes in Madhya Pradesh. 1. Combined effect of monsoons coming from two directions Madhya Pradesh is one of those select states where monsoon winds coming from both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal remain active. The collision of these moisture-laden winds increases atmospheric instability. Warm surface air and moisture combine to form tall cumulonimbus clouds, which generate more electrical charge, and this becomes the main cause of lightning. 2. Geographical location and high temperature Due to its central location in the country, Madhya Pradesh’s temperature often reaches up to 45 degrees Celsius during summers. The cool and moist monsoon winds collide with the hot surface, rapidly lifting the warm air upwards. This accelerates the formation of thunderclouds and increases the likelihood of lightning strikes. 3. Intense convection during pre-monsoon and monsoon periods Between April and September, due to intense heat and humidity in the air, the process of convection remains fast. The rapid ascent and cooling of air form thunderclouds, which increases the incidence of lightning strikes. 4. Geographical Role of Vindhya, Satpura, and Malwa Regions The Vindhya and Satpura mountain ranges and the Malwa plateau region force moisture-laden monsoon winds to rise. This leads to the formation of high clouds, in which electrical charges develop rapidly, increasing the likelihood of lightning strikes. Climate change is increasing the risk of lightning According to scientists, the intensity of thunderclouds is increasing due to global warming and climate change. Due to rising temperatures, incidents of lightning strikes in Central India may further increase in the future. Why are farmers most at risk? Most deaths due to lightning in Madhya Pradesh are caused by cloud-to-ground lightning. A large population of the state depends on agriculture, so farmers work in open fields during the rainy season. When it suddenly rains, they often take shelter under isolated trees. The higher probability of lightning striking tall trees increases the risk of people standing beneath them being affected. How to identify the possibility of a lightning strike? According to meteorologist Arun Sharma, by identifying some natural signs, one can reach a safe place in time. 8 districts, including Seoni and Gwalior most affected 8 districts are most affected by lightning strikes, these include Dewas, Vidisha, Sehore, Panna, Seoni, Singrauli, Gwalior and Indore. 20 districts of the state fall under sensitive areas, and 8 districts under highly sensitive areas. Meteorological department issues alerts via SMS The Meteorological Department directly provides information to people about where lightning is expected to strike. Additionally, the Meteorological Department has three mobile apps – Damini, Meghdoot, and Mausam – which issue alerts. Also, through the CAPA Sachet platform, the Meteorological Department directly conveys information to people. According to the Meteorological Department, incidents of lightning strikes during rainy days occur between 2 pm and 6 pm. In such a situation, people who work in the open need to be more vigilant at this time, especially in places where the Meteorological Department predicts the possibility of lightning strikes or thunder.