Karkala-Hebri: Lightning damage on the rise

Karkala: The intensity of lightning has been increasing over the past several years in the Karkala-Hebri region, situated at the foothills of the Western Ghats. During the pre-monsoon rain period each year, damage to houses, death of livestock, loss of human life, and destruction of electronic appliances have become common. Particularly in May and June, the roar of lightning accompanying evening wind and rain has created panic among rural residents.

As this is a major agricultural hub, lightning strikes often occur while farmers and laborers are working in fields, plantations, and areca nut gardens. In the last five years, more than 20 livestock have been killed, and over 20 people have been injured. Additionally, more than 200 houses and numerous electronic devices have been damaged.

Recent rains have also reported lightning damage. On May 8, a lightning strike at Chandrashekhar Acharya's house in Ashokanagar, Kalya village, caused a loss of approximately 10,000 rupees. On the same day, lightning struck Dinesh's house in Nadibettu, Kukkunduru village, damaging the electric meter board, wiring, and walls, resulting in a loss of 15,000 rupees.

Even during unseasonal rains in December and January, more than five houses were damaged. In several places, electronic devices including TVs, refrigerators, set-top boxes, and Wi-Fi routers were burnt out.

There have been several fatalities in the Karkala-Hebri area in the past. In 2021, a farmer working in a plantation near Shivapura was killed, and similar incidents occurred in Nitte in 2022 and near Hebri in 2023, where a farmer was injured while taking livestock for grazing.

According to weather experts, the variation in temperature and humidity in the Western Ghats foothills leads to an increase in thunder and lightning during May and June. People in high-altitude areas, open fields, and those near isolated trees need to exercise extreme caution.

Forecast on 'Damini' App

The 'Damini' mobile app, jointly developed by the Central Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune, is designed to prevent lightning risks. This app utilizes the mobile's GPS system to provide early warnings if there is a possibility of lightning within a 20 to 40 km radius of the user's location. The risk intensity is shown through colored circles on the app's map; red and yellow circles indicate that the danger of lightning is imminent.

Lightning arrester project sidelined

In view of the increasing lightning risk in the district, a plan was formulated at the government level a few years ago to install lightning protection systems. Discussions were held at the District Collector's level regarding the installation of these systems in three areas, including Bailoor in Karkala. However, allegations are surfacing that the project has seen no progress and remains only on paper.

Awareness efforts

"The intensity of lightning and thunder is always high in the Karkala region. Awareness is being raised at the local administration level. According to experts, one should maintain distance from open spaces, isolated trees, electric poles, metal objects, and water bodies during lightning. As per government guidelines, compensation is provided without delay to houses damaged by lightning." — Pradeep, Tehsildar, Karkala.

— Avin Shetty