Karnataka reports rise in lightning deaths despite fewer strikes in 2024

Karnataka has recorded a concerning increase in lightning-related deaths, with 80 fatalities reported in 2024 — a rise from 66 in the previous year — despite a decrease in the total number of lightning events. According to the Karnataka State Thunderstorm and Lightning Action Plan 2025–26, prepared by the Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority (KSNDMC), the state witnessed 1.32 lakh lightning strikes in 2024.

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Over a 14-year period, the state has seen 1,026 deaths due to lightning. Belagavi remains the most affected district with 86 deaths, followed by Kalaburagi (80), Vijayapura (79), Bidar (75), and Hassan (56). In contrast, Bengaluru recorded only nine fatalities during this period.

Belagavi also led in the number of cloud-to-ground lightning events with 12,157 incidents, trailed closely by Kalaburagi (11,997), Vijayapura (9,207), Dakshina Kannada (8,763), and Uttara Kannada (8,428).

In response, the KSNDMC has deployed 11 Lightning Detection Sensor Stations across Karnataka, issuing location-specific alerts down to the gram panchayat level. Between 2021 and 2024, the authority issued over 12 crore alerts to minimize casualties.

Looking ahead, the state aims to enhance early warning systems by expanding Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) coverage to all districts and blocks by 2025–26. Currently, all districts are covered, and the next phase will focus on block-level reach.

District administrations have been tasked with tailoring and implementing the action plan locally, including conducting awareness campaigns on lightning safety.