Lightning strikes claimed 95 lives in Nagpur district between 2018-19 and 2024-25, nearly double the 50 deaths caused by floods during the same period, according to official disaster management data reviewed ahead of the monsoon season. While floods typically attract greater public attention during the rainy season, the data indicates that lightning has consistently caused more fatalities in the district. Of the 174 deaths attributed to natural calamities during the seven-year period, lightning alone accounted for more than half.

 

The figures, presented during the District Disaster Management Authority's pre-monsoon preparedness meeting. The annual toll peaked at 20 deaths in both 2020-21 and 2021-22. Although the number has declined in recent years, nine people still lost their lives to lightning in 2024-25. 

 

Disaster management officials have identified lightning as one of the district's major seasonal hazards alongside floods, heatwaves, droughts and forest fires. With monsoon activity expected to increase across the region in the coming weeks, authorities have intensified preparedness measures and urged citizens to pay close attention to weather alerts. “Regular awareness campaigns are conducted across the district through pamphlet distribution and public outreach programmes,” said Ankush Gawande, District Disaster Management Officer, Nagpur. He urged citizens to use the Damini mobile application, which provides lightning forecasts and alerts within a one, five or 10-kilometre radius of a village or location. Officials advised people to avoid open fields, isolated trees, hilltops and water bodies during thunderstorms and to immediately seek shelter in a substantial building whenever lightning activity is reported. 

 

 

The Annual Lightning Report 2024-25, prepared by CROPC with the IMD and Ministry of Earth Sciences, recorded a 400% rise in lightning strikes across India between 2019 and 2025.Vidarbha and other parts of central India remain among the country's most lightning-vulnerable regions.