Lightning in India is the most dangerous natural phenomenon. In 2023, there were 2,558 lightning deaths in the country which was 39.7% of all deaths caused by natural disasters. Lightning strikes India, This puts it ahead of deaths from heatstroke (806) and floods (266).
Have Lightning Strikes Increased?
According to the Annual Lightning Report, there has been an increase of 400% in the frequency of lightning strikes. This increase is linked to the increase in the number of thunderstorms due to climate change.
The States Where Lightning kills the Most Are
- In 2023, the deaths from lightning strikes are as follows: Madhya Pradesh (397), Bihar (345), Odisha (294) and Uttar Pradesh (287).
- In 2025, lightning strikes in March and April claimed the lives of more than 160 people. Out of this, the state of Bihar accounted for 99 deaths.
- While the states where lightning strikes most frequently are located in the northeast and east, it is important to note that the states that do not have the same rate of lightning strikes may have a higher incidence of deaths.
Does the System of Warnings Work? – lightning strikes India
The number of deaths has decreased by almost 60%, three years after the initiation of the program in the country, even if the incidents of lightning have increased. IMD’s Damini app gives alerts 30–40 minutes ahead, and Odisha is cited as a model for early warnings.
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