In a shocking turn of events, Assam experienced a staggering 7,545 lightning strikes in just the first two days of September 2024. Across the Northeast, a total of 22,832 lightning events were recorded, leaving residents concerned as erratic weather patterns continue to dominate the region.
High Casualty Toll Amid Rising Lightning Strikes
Assam’s vulnerability to lightning strikes is a growing concern, with 45 lives lost to these dangerous weather events so far in 2024. The latest fatality occurred in Morigaon district, highlighting the deadly impact of these natural phenomena. Lightning strikes have been on the rise, putting many lives and property at risk across the state.
For the past few days, Assam has seen its skies dominated by dark clouds and fierce thunderstorms. On September 1, Guwahati recorded its highest rainfall of the year at 98.4 mm, signaling the intensity of the storm systems passing through. The constant barrage of lightning events has put the state on high alert as unpredictable weather continues to plague the region.
NESAC Reports Lightning Frequency Surge
The North Eastern Space Application Centre (NESAC) in Umiam, Meghalaya, reported that on September 1, the Northeast witnessed 2,521 lightning events, 1,398 of which were in Assam. Cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning strikes, which pose the greatest risk to life and property, made up a significant portion of these events.
Lightning strikes are classified into two types: cloud-to-ground (CG) and intra-cloud/inter-cloud (IC). The CG strikes are particularly dangerous as they can reach the ground and cause fatalities. On September 1, Assam saw 757 CG and 641 IC lightning events. The following day saw a significant rise, with 6,147 lightning strikes recorded, of which 2,293 were CGs and 3,854 were ICs.
September 2 Marks Record Lightning Activity
On September 2, the Northeast was hit by 20,311 lightning strikes, with Assam bearing the brunt of the storm, accounting for 6,147 of the total. The CG strikes alone created a heightened sense of urgency across the state, as these ground-reaching lightning events are often fatal. With unpredictable storms looming, residents are urged to remain vigilant.
These statistics were compiled by NESAC and based on observations made by the Lightning Location Network of the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune. However, NESAC warns that the actual number of lightning events could be much higher, as the network cannot detect all lightning strikes across the region.
Call for Awareness and Preparedness
As lightning continues to wreak havoc in Assam and other parts of the Northeast, the need for increased awareness and preparedness is more urgent than ever. Authorities are encouraging residents to take precautions, especially during peak storm hours, to reduce the risk of fatalities from these deadly lightning events.
State officials have started issuing safety guidelines for the public, advising against outdoor activities during thunderstorms and promoting the use of surge protectors to safeguard electrical appliances. With the weather forecast predicting more storms ahead, it’s crucial that residents stay informed and take the necessary precautions.
Climate Change and Lightning Surge Correlation
Meteorologists believe that climate change is playing a significant role in the rise of lightning events. With changing weather patterns, increased humidity, and temperature variations, lightning storms are becoming more frequent and intense. The surge in lightning strikes across Assam and the Northeast serves as a stark reminder of the growing impact of global climate shifts on regional weather patterns.
As Assam battles through this deadly phase of lightning storms, efforts are being made to improve monitoring systems and enhance early warning mechanisms. Authorities are also working on expanding the Lightning Location Network to cover more areas and ensure better detection of lightning events. In the meantime, Assam’s residents remain on high alert, hoping for clear skies ahead.
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