Bengaluru: Amid intensifying pre-monsoon activity across Karnataka, lightning is emerging as the state’s deadliest natural hazard, claiming more lives than many other disasters combined and raising fresh concerns as the peak lightning season sets in this May. Govt data shows that despite early warning systems and awareness measures, lightning has consistently accounted for a disproportionately high share of deaths — ranging from 38% to 56% — caused by natural calamities in the state.According to the Annual Lightning Report 2023-24 released by India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Climate Resilient Observing Systems Promotion Council in Dec 2025, Karnataka ranked ninth among states with high lightning mortality, topping the southern states.Even though cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning incidents declined by 21% between 2022-23 and 2023-24, CG lightning continued to be the biggest killer in the state. As per an analysis of lightning incidents from 2020 to 2023 by Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC), Kalaburagi, Dakshina Kannada, and Belagavi recorded the highest number of lightning events. However, the decade-long casualties data from 2011 to 2023 placed Belagavi at the top with 86 deaths, followed by Kalaburagi (80) and Vijayapura (79). Several districts in Kalyana Karnataka and parts of Malnad have reported rising lightning deaths, with May accounting for the highest number of casualties in most regions.A senior KSNDMC official said while fatalities have fluctuated, the threat remains persistent. “Even though the number of fatalities dropped sharply from 100 in 2022-23 to 61 in 2023-24, marking a significant decline of 39%, this gain was short-lived. Deaths shot up again to 83 in 2024-25, before dipping marginally to 77 in 2025-26, accounting for 56% of deaths due to natural calamity — the highest percentage over the past four years,” the official said.Climate variabilityExperts have increasingly linked the risk to climate variability. “Rising mercury levels, erratic pre-monsoon activity, and localised severe thunderstorms are contributing to unpredictable lightning patterns. A few studies have even revealed that a mere one-degree rise in temperature could significantly increase lightning density. Awareness and effective early warning protocol are the keys to achieving reduced fatalities,” said GS Srinivasa Reddy, former director of KSNDMC. “Despite fewer lightning strikes, Karnataka has recorded increased fatalities, suggesting exposure, behaviour, and preparedness often matter as much as meteorological intensity.”The analysis found that rural and forested areas remain most vulnerable due to tall trees, waterbodies, and high outdoor exposure, with most victims being people working in the fields. The IMD report noted that 98% of lightning incidents occurred in the second half of the day, and most victims were men exposed in open areas or walking unprotected in the rain.A senior revenue department (disaster control) official said the Lightning Monitoring and Early Warning System has strengthened preparedness. “Besides, the dedicated SIDILU app also provides location-specific lightning strike alert 30 to 45 minutes before the lightning strike.”BOX Casualty record over the yearsYearDeaths due to natural calamitiesDeaths due to lightningPercentage2026—1120251176656.4%20241938343%20231206150.8%202225810038.7%— Source: Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre
