IMD, IAF team up to tackle lightning-related deaths

New Delhi: In an attempt to reduce the number of deaths caused by lightning strikes, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is teaming up with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to share real-time data on lightning.

Estimate suggests that over 2,000 deaths related to lightning occurs every year across the country throughout the monsoon period.

Last year, as least 424 people were killed as a result of lighting strikes in the country, with Odisha and Madhya Pradesh reported to have record 100 deaths in each states.

Lightning can be defined as a sudden electrostatic discharge that occurs during a thunder storm.

As per reports, the IAF will share lightning-related information with the Met office using data from 142 sensors, installed at various air force areas in the country.

K J Ramesh, director general of the IMD, said that the joint initiative by IAF and IMD will not only help predict ligntning incidents, but also minimise lightning-related deaths and injuries on humans and livestock alike.

He revealed while inaugurating a three-day-long training workshop on lightning and other extreme events, organised at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), in Pune.

IITM, a scientific institute for expanding research on lightning and extreme weather events, had established a lightning location network (LLN) that comprised 20 sensors across Maharashtra, with its results having an accuracy of 90 per cent.

Meanwhile, the IMD chief also said that the initial monsoon months will not be affected by El Nino that is likely to occur later in the year.