Experts call for coordinated action as lightning deaths rise in South Asia

Disaster management and humanitarian experts from across South Asia have called for urgent and coordinated action to reduce the growing number of deaths caused by lightning strikes, warning that climate change is rapidly intensifying the threat across the region.

Speaking at an international webinar on “Lightning Risk Management,” held on Thursday, experts said lightning has become one of the fastest-growing climate-related hazards in South Asia, particularly in Bangladesh, Nepal and India.

The webinar was jointly organised by Alliance for Empowering Partnership (A4EP), COAST Foundation, National Disaster Management Authority of India, Climate Resilient Observing Systems Promotion Council and Humanitarian Aid International.

Participants said preparedness for lightning risks remains inadequate despite a sharp increase in incidents linked to climate change. They urged governments and humanitarian organisations to incorporate lightning risk reduction into community-based disaster management programmes.

Sanjay Srivastava, chairman of CROP-C and convener of the Lightning Resilient India Campaign, warned that rising global temperatures are increasing lightning frequency.

“A 1.0 degree Celsius rise in temperature can increase lightning incidents by 12 per cent,” he said.

He stressed the importance of early warning systems, community awareness, safe shelters, tree plantation and localised action plans to reduce casualties. He also called for stronger climate adaptation policies and documentation of indigenous knowledge related to lightning safety.

Sudhanshu S. Singh, founder of Humanitarian Aid International, said weak coordination among institutions and communities remains a major challenge. He urged stronger cooperation at local, national and international levels for knowledge-sharing and implementation of safety protocols.

Gawher Nayeem Wahra of Disaster Forum, Bangladesh, acknowledged government initiatives such as lightning arresters and tree plantation drives, but said community participation must be strengthened.

Rezaul Karim Chowdhury of COAST Foundation described recent lightning deaths in Bangladesh as alarming, citing the deaths of 14 people in eight districts in a single day.

Participants from Pakistan, Nigeria and China also joined the webinar.

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