At least 60 Killed Due To Lightning Strikes In Bihar And UP

Around 60 people have been killed in separate incidents of lightning strikes in parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, according to reports from the state relief commissioner’s office on Thursday.

UP And Bihar Lightning Strikes:

In the span of two days, Uttar Pradesh witnessed 43 fatalities and Bihar reported around 20 deaths along with 40 injuries due to lightning strikes. These tragic incidents took place between 7 pm on Wednesday and 7 pm on Thursday (July 11), with the majority of the deaths attributed to lightning strikes on July 10.

In Uttar Pradesh, 43 deaths occurred across 10 districts on Wednesday and Thursday, while Bihar reported around 20 deaths and 40 injuries from lightning strikes during the same period. 

Reason Behind The Incident:

Meteorologists have highlighted the unusual nature of these intense lightning events during the monsoon season, as they typically occur more frequently in the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods. 

According to Mahesh Palawat, who is the vice president of climate and meteorology at Skymet Weather, the recent lightning incidents were probably caused by the rapid formation of convective clouds due to the heating of the ground and the influx of moisture as the monsoon trough moved northward.

Palawat commented, "This level of lightning activity is highly unusual during the monsoon season. Typically, we observe such widespread lightning during the pre-monsoon months or when the monsoon is withdrawing."

How To Stay Safe From Lightning Strikes?

• Move indoors or into a substantial building immediately. Avoid small sheds, picnic shelters, or isolated structures.
• Stay away from water bodies such as lakes, pools, or rivers. Also, avoid activities like bathing or washing dishes during a thunderstorm.

If you find yourself caught in an open area during a lightning storm with no nearby shelter, immediate action is crucial for safety. 

• Crouch down low with your feet together to minimize your height and contact with the ground, making yourself the smallest possible target.
• Avoid tall objects such as trees, flagpoles, and open fields, as they attract lightning strikes. 
• If you're in a forest, seek shelter in a lower stand of trees rather than under isolated ones, which can conduct electricity. Spread out if in a group to reduce the risk of multiple injuries.