Deaths caused by lightning have been consistently rising
Lightning has become the deadliest natural hazard in India, with fatalities increasing over the years. A total of 1,02,263 deaths due to lightning were reported from 1975 to 2024, with over half occurring between 2005 and 2024. Despite advancements in disaster preparedness, lightning accounted for at least 50% of all natural cause deaths since 2016.
- ▪From 1975 to 2024, India reported 1,02,263 deaths due to lightning.
- ▪The average number of deaths from lightning increased from 1,683 in 1995-2004 to 2,809 in 2015-2024.
- ▪In 2021, lightning caused 2,880 deaths, representing 70.4% of all natural cause deaths.
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Lightning has emerged as the most lethal natural hazard in India, with the number of fatalities rising consistently over the years. A review of reports published by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) showed that the country reported a total of 1,02,263 deaths due to lightning in the 50-year-period between 1975 and 2024 (Chart 1). Over half of these deaths happened between 2005 and 2024.The decennial averages of deaths caused by lightning in the last three decades jumped from 1,683 (1995-2004) to 2,476 (2005-2014) and 2,809 (2015-2024). This is despite India’s broader progress in reducing deaths from natural causes, thanks to better forecasting, modelling and disaster preparedness.
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