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Analysis of lightning strikes and associated fatalities in Jharkhand, India from 2000 to 2020

Author

Listed:
  • Manoranjan Mishra

    (Fakir Mohan University)

  • Rajkumar Guria

    (Fakir Mohan University)

  • Sanjay Srivastava

    (Climate Resilient Observing-Systems Promotion Council (CROPC))

  • Richarde Marques Silva

    (Federal University of Paraíba)

  • Celso Augusto Guimarães Santos

    (Federal University of Paraíba)

Abstract

Lightning is recognized as one of the most lethal natural phenomena in India, claiming numerous lives annually. India experiences a significantly higher incidence of lightning-related fatalities compared to global averages, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced safety measures. Through a detailed analysis of lightning strikes and fatalities, this study sheds light on the patterns and risks in Jharkhand State, India, over the 2-decade period from 2000 to 2020. The analysis utilized composite satellite data from the Lightning Imaging Sensor on the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM/LIS) satellite (2000–2014) and the International Space Station’s Lightning Imaging Sensor (ISS/LIS) (2018–2020) to assess seasonal and monthly lightning patterns. Additionally, fatality records were sourced from the National Crime Records Bureau. The analysis revealed a total of 1,256,404 lightning flashes during the study period, displaying notable year-to-year variability. The year 2006 recorded the highest number of lightning flashes (101,302 or 8.06% of the total), while 2018 recorded the lowest (40,666 or 3.24%). Monthly distributions highlight significantly higher lightning activity during the monsoon, with notable elevations in the pre- and post-monsoon periods. Considering these findings, lightning flashes exhibit significant monthly variability, with 70.39% of fatalities involving males (2372 cases). The increasing number of lightning-related deaths primarily affects rural populations, underscoring their vulnerability due to limited protective infrastructure and exposure to outdoor activities during peak lightning seasons. Graphic abstract

Suggested Citation

  • Manoranjan Mishra & Rajkumar Guria & Sanjay Srivastava & Richarde Marques Silva & Celso Augusto Guimarães Santos, 2025. "Analysis of lightning strikes and associated fatalities in Jharkhand, India from 2000 to 2020," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 121(7), pages 8479-8499, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:nathaz:v:121:y:2025:i:7:d:10.1007_s11069-025-07124-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s11069-025-07124-3
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