The Economics of Weather
Lightning: A Hidden Killer
Why lightning kills thousands of people in India each year, mostly farmers in open fields, and how warning apps like Damini help.
Lightning kills thousands in India each year.
Who dies
Mostly farmers and labourers working in open fields during the monsoon.
States
Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh see many deaths.
Warnings
- The Damini app, from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, warns of lightning nearby.
- SMS alerts.
Safety
- Avoid open fields and tall trees during storms.
- Lightning arresters on buildings.
Compensation
States pay compensation to families of victims; some states treat lightning as a disaster.
The field alert
A farmer gets a Damini alert about lightning within 20 km and leaves the field before the storm.
Thinking lightning deaths are rare
Thousands die each year in India.
Key takeaways
- Lightning kills thousands yearly.
- Farmers in fields are most at risk.
- The Damini app warns users.
- Arresters and alerts help.
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