Lightning
fatalities are avoidable - precautions
can reduce the toll 75%
As the monsoon
brings relief to the sizzling hot countryside, the direct fallout is rising
Lightning deaths. The pre/early-monsoon deaths are highest in India. The
studies of last 40 years have shown that 35-40% of total lightning deaths in
year takes place during June –July . Since the monsoon
is delayed in 2019, it’s the next ongoing fortnight most critical .
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Table 1: Lightning deaths are maximum in June- July
approx 35-40% of annual death toll
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And all these deaths due to Lightning are avoidable . Lack of
awareness and education by all is the main reason for these deaths . Lightning
Resilient India Campaign has observed in its findings that 95% casualties are in rural areas and less
than 5% casualties are in Urban areas . More than 71% deaths are due to people
standing under tall single isolated tress . 20% deaths in open areas is due to
lack of knowledge about Lightning safety position that is crouch position in
case one is trapped in lightning & thunderstorm. Irony is large number of deaths
of people due to secondary strikes and standing under metal(tin) roofef houses
or in open verandah.Similarly , the huge loss of cattles is mainly due to lack
of suitable shelter and being left in open during the rain, thunderstorms and
lightning .
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Table 3: Category wise details of fatalities due to Lightning Source :
CROPC
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Here are few basic tips for saving life .
1. During
lightning/thunderstorms/rains, never stand under tree . 71% deaths due to
lightning can be avoided with this .
2. When
thunder roars, Go indoors – Pucca closed house or car or bus are the safest. Do
not stand in verandah .
3. In
case you are trapped in Lightning , please occupy Lightning safety position that
is crouch position as given below:-
4. Farmers
in the field must identify pucca shelter or set up local made Lightning
Conductor device .
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5. Water
bodies like pond, river, lake etc be placed out of bound during lightning and
rains . Places prone prone to Lightning llike Hilltop be avoided by all.
6. In
case playing outdoor, take shelter in pucca house .
Its suggested that :-
1.
Mukhiya /Sarpanchs be advised to run
awareness campaign
2.
Children in school must be apprised of
the safety awareness tips during prayer/before leaving the school .
Animals in villages must be kept safely during
rain/thunderstorms and Lightning .
Lightning is an avoidable death.Precautions be
followed to stops Lightning fatalities
by
Col Sanjay Srivastava
Convener, Lightning Resilient India Campaign
Chairperson, Climate Resilient Observing-Systems Promotion
Council (CROPC)
Mob +917667860470
Email id
sanjaysonisa@gmail.com
Dated 19 July 2019
