Lightning : A major killer

Namita Tongbram *

"At least 15 people were killed and eight others injured in separate lightning incidents in Odisha on 1st June 2016." – The Indian Express.

"Altogether 41 persons lost their lives due to lightning strike in various parts of Maharashtra during the Sept –October 2015 and almost half the deaths were reported in drought-affected Marathwada region where lightning claimed 19 lives. – The Indian Express.

Lightning kills more people in India than any other natural calamity. In a country where thousands of people die each year because of floods, cyclones and other such events, the death toll from lightning strikes paints a grim picture. Lightning is responsible for at least 10% of the total deaths caused by nature in most years in India and, according to the National Crime Records Bureau data, at least 2,000 deaths were associated with lightning every year since 2005.

Still, lightning is not categorized as a natural calamity, meaning affected people or their families are not eligible for compensation from the government unlike in the case of floods or earthquakes.

The situation is particularly bad in the eastern states of Assam, West Bengal and Odisha, where the highest fatalities are reported. Most of the victims are farm labourers who take shelter under isolated trees during a thunderstorm. North-Eastern states, Maharashtra, Kerala, Jharkhand and Bihar also suffer heavy casualties.

The problem with lightning, like earthquakes, is that it cannot be predicted, which makes it all the more challenging to issue timely warnings.

Steps to prevent deaths caused by lightning still remain a low-priority area, as the extent of the fatalities are usually under-reported, unlike headline-grabbing death tolls in the case of earthquakes, floods or even the recent heat wave that claimed at least 2,000 lives across India. (http://www.livemint.com/ Nikita Mehta).

Do's and Don'ts for Lightning Safety:

o If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance of lightning. Look for shelter inside a home, large building, or a hard-topped vehicle right away.

o Do not go under trees for shelter. There is no place outside that is safe during a thunderstorm.

o Wait at least 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder before leaving your shelter.

o Stay away from windows and doors. Stay off porches.

o There is no safe place outside. Places with only a roof on sports fields, golf courses, and picnic areas are not safe during a lightning storm. Small sheds should not be used.

o Avoid lakes, beaches or open water, fishing from a boat or dock, riding on golf carts, farm equipment, motor cycles or bicycles. Take shelter in tunnels, subways, even ditches or caves if necessary—but never under a tree!

o If caught on high ground or in an open area, seek shelter in a low area and stay away from trees. A small grove of bushes or shrubs is preferable to lone trees.

o To avoid side flashes (voltage from a nearby struck object) stay clear of fences or isolated trees. Keep away from telephone poles, power lines, pipelines or other electrically conductive objects.

o Stay off the electric supply units: In your home, don't stand near open windows, doorways or metal piping. Stay away from the TV, plumbing, sinks, tubs, radiators and stoves. Avoid contact with small electric appliances such as radios, toasters and hairdryers.

o If a person is struck by lightning, call emergency medical help. Get medical help right away.

(Adapted from Resource Team, DM Community of Practice, UN Solution Exchange, UNDP-New Delhi).