Lightning kills 237, injures 908 in Nepal over four years

KATHMANDU: Lightning strikes have claimed the lives of 237 people and injured 908 others across Nepal in the past four years, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA).

The highest risk zones for lightning stretch from Jhapa in Koshi Province to Kanchanpur in Sudurpaschim Province, and from Humla in Karnali to Dhanusha in Madhesh Province.

Roshni Kumari Shrestha, Joint Secretary at the NDRRMA, said that districts such as Jhapa, Udayapur, and Makwanpur are among the most lightning-prone in the country.

Between Shrawan 1, 2078 BS and Jestha 5, 2082 BS, Nepal recorded 1,118 lightning incidents, affecting 1,607 families. Based on global disaster rankings, Nepal stands fifth in terms of lightning-related risk.

“Tall structures like houses and towers are frequent lightning targets. During the monsoon season, ordinary people working outdoors in agriculture are most vulnerable,” Shrestha said. “While Koshi Province reports the highest number of incidents, Lumbini Province suffers the greatest human and material losses.”

In Koshi Province alone, 295 lightning strikes were recorded, affecting 366 households, killing 51 people and injuring 84. The economic damage is estimated at Rs 16.04 million, and 420 livestock perished.

In Lumbini Province, 180 incidents were recorded over four years, with 54 fatalities and property losses worth NPR 30.49 million. A total of 276 families were affected, 165 people injured, and 98 livestock killed.

Other provinces also reported significant casualties:

• Sudurpaschim: 35 deaths, 158 injuries

• Madhesh: 27 deaths, 28 injuries

• Bagmati: 25 deaths, 82 injuries

• Gandaki: 24 deaths, 84 injuries

• Karnali: 21 deaths, 207 injuries

Lightning is Nepal’s second leading cause of disaster-related human and material losses, said Associate Professor Madan Sigdel of Tribhuvan University’s Central Department of Hydrology and Meteorology.

“Pre-monsoon and monsoon periods, from March to July, see the highest number of lightning strikes due to atmospheric instability,” he said. Nepal’s diverse geography – encompassing the Himalayas, hills, and plains – makes it especially susceptible to lightning.

While lightning cannot be prevented, its impact can be reduced by up to 80% through proper awareness and precautionary measures, he added.

“A lack of awareness and technology contributes to greater human and material losses in Nepal compared to developed countries,” said climate expert Sigdel. “Our surveys show that 80% of lightning-related human deaths occur when working-age individuals are outdoors. These are preventable tragedies.”

Sigdel recommended that outdoor tasks such as farming, firewood collection, and cattle grazing be completed before noon, as most lightning strikes occur in the afternoon. Avoiding open areas during thunderstorms can drastically reduce fatalities.

Although radar systems were installed in Udayapur, Palpa, and Surkhet to provide one-hour advance warnings, all three are currently out of service. If repaired, these systems could forecast lightning-prone zones by monitoring cloud formation in real-time.

Sigdel further emphasized the importance of installing lightning protection devices in buildings and critical infrastructure. He urged resourceful local governments to invest in public awareness campaigns and preparedness at the ward and neighborhood levels.