Lightning sensors in districts soon

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Bhubaneswar: Perturbed over the rising incidence of lightning deaths in the state over past few years, the state government has decided to install sensors in each district to warn people of possible lightning strikes.
Speaking to reporters here, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Bishnupada Sethi said the state government will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with US-based lightning analysing system ‘Earth Network’ in a week to execute the project.
The firm will start the process of installation of lightning sensors with the available equipment at the earliest so that updates of possible lightning strikes can be known at least an hour in advance, he said. After installation of the sensors, persons residing in an area would get prior information about the lightning in their mobile phones if the area comes under the lightning zone and take preventive steps, Sethi said.
The lightning can be predicted 30 to 45 minutes ahead of its ground falling through the supper sensors. The technology would detect lightning and warn people about its possible striking on the ground to save lives and properties, he said.
Prediction once finalised would be disseminated to people through SMSes, mobile apps, radio and television. The SRC further said that lightning sensors will be installed at prominent places across the state. Efforts will be made to install lightning arrestors on high rise buildings and shelter centers.
A scientific survey will be conducted before the installation of such sensors.
As per a long-term strategy to minimize loss of human lives and properties due to lightning, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) has already instructed forest officers to go for plantation of palm trees.
As many as 1,256 lightning deaths have occurred in Odisha from 2015-16 to 2017-18. On an average, about 400 persons died due to lightning strike each year in the state.
Deaths due to lightning accounted for 27 per cent of the total number of deaths due to natural disasters (4,689) in the state over the last three years.