Lightning strikes claimed 105 lives across the country between April 14, 2017 and April 13, 2018, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Among the dead, 55 were men and 50 were women. Similarly, 284 people—130 men and 154 women— were injured in that period.

In the previous year, thunderbolts had killed 115 people. According to Krishna Hari Acharya, chief of National Emergency Operation Centre, lightning strike has become a ‘silent killer’ as it continues to take more lives than any other disasters annually.

Unlike other disasters like floods and landslides, lightning strikes cannot be controlled. So year after year, the country continues to witness lightning related deaths. In last seven years, thunderbolts have killed 773 people.

“There is no programme that particularly minimises thunderstorm related risks. We are considering forming a committee of experts to conduct a study about the risks and the ways to keep people safe,” said Acharya. On Thursday, two people died after being struck by lightning at Limchungbung Rural Municipality in Udaypur district. Acharya believes that raising awareness at the local level could help bring down the number of thunderbolt related casualties.

“Raising awareness about the ways to stay safe during potential lightning and thunderstorm is significant. People should not stay at higher grounds, avoid sitting nearby tall trees, and stay in groups during thunderstorm. Likewise, installing lightning arrester can also be useful in minimising damage due to lightning and thunderbolt,” he said.