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<p>Lightning activity poses a significant hazard in South Asia, causing numerous fatalities annually and exacerbating socioeconomic vulnerabilities. Despite this, research on long-term spatial and temporal trends and fatality patterns remains limited, necessitating a comprehensive assessment of lightning activity in the region. This study investigates spatial and temporal lightning patterns and associated fatalities across South Asian countries during two distinct periods: 2000−2014 and 2018−2023. Lightning occurrences were analysed using data from NASA’s Global Hydrology Resource Center (GHRC) via the Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS), while fatality records were obtained from official databases. Spatiotemporal and cluster analyses were conducted at diurnal, annual, monthly, and seasonal scales to assess trends in lightning activity, and lightning-related fatalities were examined separately. The results indicate that peak lightning activity occurs during the pre-monsoon season (March–May), followed by the monsoon season (June–September), with the lowest activity recorded during winter (November–January). Most lightning flashes are concentrated in the late afternoon, peaking between 4 PM and 6 PM. The Himalayan foothills and northeastern regions of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India exhibit the highest flash densities, whereas Bangladesh records the highest number of fatalities per unit area. When normalized by population, Nepal and Bangladesh experience the highest lightning-related fatality rates, with Nepal ranking first. Notably, Nepal is the only country showing a declining trend in lightning-related fatalities.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p> <p>The graphical abstract provides a quick and visually appealing summary of the research, highlighting key findings and methodologies. This study examines the spatiotemporal variation in lightning activity across South Asia and its socio-economic impact. Lightning occurrence data from NASA’s GHRC (2000–2023) and human casualty records from UNDRR’s DesInventar were analyzed using temporal trends, spatial clustering, and statistical evaluations. The results indicate peak lightning activity in the pre-monsoon (March–May) and monsoon (June–September) seasons, with the highest occurrences between 4 PM and 6 PM. The Himalayan foothills and northeastern regions of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India exhibit the highest flash density. Bangladesh records the most fatalities per unit area, while Nepal ranks highest in fatalities per million population. Major contributing factors include limited awareness, inadequate lightning-safe infrastructure, and labor-intensive outdoor occupations. The graphical abstract effectively conveys these findings through structured visuals, including maps, flowcharts, and statistical plots. Clear sequencing, professional design, and high-quality images enhance comprehension and engagement, making the research more accessible and impactful.</p>

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Lightning in South Asia: Patterns, Impacts, and Regional Vulnerabilities

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年6月11日

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  • Manoranjan Mishra,
  • Rajkumar Guria,
  • Alok Taori,
  • Shriram Sharma,
  • Anirban Guha,
  • FX Anjar Tri Laksono,
  • Debdeep Bhattacharyya,
  • Richarde Marques da Silva,
  • Gabriel de Oliveira,
  • Celso Augusto Guimarães Santos

摘要

Lightning activity poses a significant hazard in South Asia, causing numerous fatalities annually and exacerbating socioeconomic vulnerabilities. Despite this, research on long-term spatial and temporal trends and fatality patterns remains limited, necessitating a comprehensive assessment of lightning activity in the region. This study investigates spatial and temporal lightning patterns and associated fatalities across South Asian countries during two distinct periods: 2000−2014 and 2018−2023. Lightning occurrences were analysed using data from NASA’s Global Hydrology Resource Center (GHRC) via the Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS), while fatality records were obtained from official databases. Spatiotemporal and cluster analyses were conducted at diurnal, annual, monthly, and seasonal scales to assess trends in lightning activity, and lightning-related fatalities were examined separately. The results indicate that peak lightning activity occurs during the pre-monsoon season (March–May), followed by the monsoon season (June–September), with the lowest activity recorded during winter (November–January). Most lightning flashes are concentrated in the late afternoon, peaking between 4 PM and 6 PM. The Himalayan foothills and northeastern regions of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India exhibit the highest flash densities, whereas Bangladesh records the highest number of fatalities per unit area. When normalized by population, Nepal and Bangladesh experience the highest lightning-related fatality rates, with Nepal ranking first. Notably, Nepal is the only country showing a declining trend in lightning-related fatalities.

Graphical Abstract

The graphical abstract provides a quick and visually appealing summary of the research, highlighting key findings and methodologies. This study examines the spatiotemporal variation in lightning activity across South Asia and its socio-economic impact. Lightning occurrence data from NASA’s GHRC (2000–2023) and human casualty records from UNDRR’s DesInventar were analyzed using temporal trends, spatial clustering, and statistical evaluations. The results indicate peak lightning activity in the pre-monsoon (March–May) and monsoon (June–September) seasons, with the highest occurrences between 4 PM and 6 PM. The Himalayan foothills and northeastern regions of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India exhibit the highest flash density. Bangladesh records the most fatalities per unit area, while Nepal ranks highest in fatalities per million population. Major contributing factors include limited awareness, inadequate lightning-safe infrastructure, and labor-intensive outdoor occupations. The graphical abstract effectively conveys these findings through structured visuals, including maps, flowcharts, and statistical plots. Clear sequencing, professional design, and high-quality images enhance comprehension and engagement, making the research more accessible and impactful.