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

Manoranjan Mishra (), Rajkumar Guria (), Sanjay Srivastava (), Richarde Marques Silva () and Celso Augusto Guimarães Santos ()
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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

Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, 2025, vol. 121, issue 7, No 29, 8479-8499

Abstract: 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

Keywords: Casualty analysis; Flash density; Geospatial mapping; Lightning fatalities; TRMM/LIS data (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s11069-025-07124-3

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