What:
- Lightning strikes are causing numerous deaths across India, particularly in states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.
- The number of deaths from lightning has increased compared to previous years.
- Lightning is considered a "silent killer" as it causes more deaths annually than heat waves, floods, landslides, and cyclones.
Why:
- Global warming could be increasing lightning strikes.
- Studies suggest that higher pollution levels and rising temperatures contribute to more frequent and intense lightning strikes.
- Increased air temperatures and atmospheric moisture, linked to greenhouse gases, lead to more thunderstorms and lightning.
Why not a natural disaster:
- Lightning has not been declared a natural disaster by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) yet.
- Some states, like Bihar, have requested this declaration.
- The scattered nature of lightning deaths over time and space may contribute to its lack of designation as a natural disaster.
What is being done:
- The India Meteorological Department launched the Lightning Resilient India Campaign to reduce lightning deaths.
- Early warning systems and mobile apps (DAMINI, RAIN ALARM, MAUSAM, UMANG, MEGHDOOT) provide alerts about potential lightning strikes.
- Some states, like Odisha, have implemented early warning communication systems and awareness programs.
- Lightning protection systems are being manufactured and tested, but coverage is limited, especially in rural areas.
- Research and development efforts are ongoing, but more organizations, academia, and funding are needed to improve lightning mitigation strategies.
Lightning is referred to as a "silent killer" for several reasons:
1. Underreported impact: Despite causing more deaths annually than other weather-related events like heat waves, floods, landslides, and cyclones, lightning doesn't receive as much media attention or public awareness.
2. Scattered deaths: Lightning fatalities are typically spread out over time and space, rather than occurring in large clusters. This makes the overall impact less noticeable compared to more concentrated disasters.
3. Lack of headlines: Due to the dispersed nature of lightning deaths, they often don't make major headlines in the news, unlike other natural disasters that might cause multiple casualties in a single event.
4. Insufficient recognition: The term highlights that lightning's deadly impact is not fully recognized or addressed by disaster management authorities, as evidenced by its lack of classification as a natural disaster in many areas.
5. Sudden and unpredictable: Lightning strikes can occur with little warning and affect individuals who may be unaware of the danger, making it a "silent" threat in terms of its swift and often unexpected nature.
6. Lack of visible, lasting damage: Unlike floods or earthquakes, lightning doesn't leave behind widespread visible destruction, which can lead to underestimation of its impact.
The term "silent killer" emphasizes the need for greater awareness and preventive measures to address the significant but often overlooked danger posed by lightning strikes.
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