Lightning Deaths In India: While monsoon rains bring relief from the scorching heat, it also brings with it many types of natural disasters. Every year during monsoon, painful incidents of lightning fall from different parts of the country. Farmers working in the fields, people standing under trees, children playing in open fields or pedestrians traveling on the road, anyone can fall prey to it. A flash of lightning changes the lives of many families in a matter of seconds. Often people ignore it considering it a normal natural phenomenon, whereas statistics show that lightning has become one of the most deadly natural disasters in India.
Recently, 17 people died due to lightning during rains in many states including Madhya Pradesh. This is not an isolated incident. According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) and scientific studies, every year on an average 2000-3000 people lose their lives due to lightning in the country. During the year 2024, more than 3,680 people died due to various weather events, of which 1,643 people died due to lightning. Maximum deaths occurred in states like Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha. Experts say that due to climate change, rising temperature and changing weather patterns, incidents of lightning are increasing. In such a situation, it is important to know which states are most at risk, why people fall prey to it and what precautions should be taken to avoid it.
- On an average, 2,000 to 3,000 people die every year in India due to lightning.
- In 2024, 1,643 people lost their lives due to lightning across the country.
- Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha are among the most affected states.
Where did most deaths occur?
Before 2000, an average of 1,800 people died every year in India due to lightning. But in the last two decades, this danger has increased continuously and now every year about 2,800 to 3,000 people are losing their lives due to lightning. The figures of recent years also point in this direction. 2,887 deaths were recorded in 2022, 2,560 in 2023 and 2,825 in 2024 due to lightning. Although there was a decline of about 11.3 percent in deaths in 2023, this number increased again the next year. The danger has not reduced even in the year 2025. Between January and September alone, 1,456 people died due to lightning in the country. According to the Center for Science and Environment (CSE), Uttar Pradesh was the most affected during this period, where 284 people lost their lives. This was followed by Jharkhand (222), Andhra Pradesh (192), Madhya Pradesh (183) and Bihar (146).
| Year | how many deaths occurred |
| Average deaths per year before 2000 | 1,800 |
| deaths in the last two decades | 2,800 to 3,000 |
| died in 2022 | 2,887 |
| died in 2023 | 2,560 |
| died in 2024 | 2,825 |
| Deaths in 2025 (January to September) | 1,456 |
Why are the incidents increasing?
Not only deaths, incidents of lightning strikes are also continuously increasing. During January to September 2022, 159 days of lightning incidents were recorded in the country. This number will increase to 176 days in 2023, 191 days in 2024 and 204 days by September 2025. That means, in the last four years, the incidents of lightning and the danger caused by them have been continuously increasing. According to experts, the temperature of the atmosphere is increasing due to climate change. Due to increase in moisture in hot air, more thunderstorm clouds are formed, due to which incidents of lightning also increase. Apart from this, rapid urbanization, deforestation and changing weather patterns are also increasing this danger.
Who are most at risk?
People who work under the open sky for long periods are at greatest risk of being struck by lightning. These include farmers, agricultural labourers, fishermen, workers engaged in construction work, shepherds, employees working on electricity or telecom lines and people present in open fields. During monsoon, farmers are in the fields for hours for paddy transplantation, sowing or other agricultural work, so they are most at risk. Despite the start of rain, people continue work or stand under trees, which is one of the biggest reasons for accidents.
What’s the biggest mistake people make?
How can life be saved?
If loud thunder is heard in the sky and lightning is flashing continuously, then it should not be taken lightly at all. In such a situation, first of all stay in a solid building or a completely closed vehicle. Avoid standing near open fields, fields, hilly areas, rivers, ponds or any reservoir. Similarly, standing under a tree, near electric poles, towers or metal fences can also be extremely dangerous. If there is no safe place nearby, bend down with both legs together and keep the head downwards. Try to minimize body contact with the ground and do not make the mistake of lying completely on the ground.
Is the warning system showing any effect?
Experts say that incidents of lightning have increased in the last few years, but timely warning systems and awareness campaigns have helped in reducing the number of deaths in many states. Nevertheless, providing timely information to rural areas still remains a big challenge. India Meteorological Department (IMD) also issues weather warnings and lightning alerts available on mobile apps like ‘Damini’, so that people can be alert.
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