Lightning is one of India’s most underestimated weather dangers, and the numbers prove it. NCRB data for 2023 showed that lightning caused around 2,558 deaths, making it the biggest killer among deaths linked to “forces of nature” that year. That means lightning is not a rare freak accident; it is a repeated disaster that hits farmers, workers, students, travellers and families every storm season.
The problem is not only the weather. The real problem is careless behaviour during thunderstorms. People stand under trees, continue using open fields, ride bikes through lightning, stand near metal gates, and make videos from rooftops. This is not courage; it is poor judgment during a dangerous weather event.
What Are The Most Dangerous Lightning Mistakes?
The India Meteorological Department’s thunderstorm safety guidance clearly advises people not to take shelter under trees, not to lie flat on the ground, and to stay away from utility lines, metal fences, hilltops and open exposed areas. It also warns that rubber-soled shoes and car tyres do not offer full protection from lightning, which breaks a common myth many people still believe.
The biggest mistake is thinking “it will not happen to me.” Lightning can strike before heavy rain starts, and people often stay outside because the storm does not look severe yet. If you hear thunder, you are already close enough to be at risk. Waiting for heavy rain before moving indoors is a foolish delay.
| Common Mistake | Safer Action |
|---|---|
| Standing under a tree | Move to a proper building or safe shelter |
| Staying in open fields | Leave exposed areas immediately |
| Riding bikes during thunder | Stop and find safe shelter |
| Touching metal fences or poles | Keep distance from conductive objects |
| Using water bodies during storm | Get out of water immediately |
| Filming from rooftop | Stay indoors away from windows |
Is Using A Mobile Phone During Lightning Dangerous?
Using a mobile phone indoors is generally not the main lightning danger people should panic about. The bigger danger is being outdoors, standing near metal, using wired electrical equipment, or touching plugged-in appliances. IMD safety advice recommends unplugging electrical and electronic appliances during lightning and staying away from objects that conduct electricity.
The real issue is not the phone itself; it is where you are using it. If you are standing in an open field, on a rooftop, near a tree or beside an electric pole while using your phone, the location is the problem. Stop blaming the phone and start fixing the risky behaviour.
What Should You Do If You Are Outside?
If you are outside during lightning, your first goal is to reach a proper shelter quickly. A strong building is safer than a tree, temporary shed, open vehicle without proper cover, field hut or metal structure. If you are travelling on a bicycle, motorcycle or farm vehicle, IMD advises getting off and moving to safe shelter.
If no safe shelter is nearby, reduce your exposure. Do not lie flat on the ground because that increases contact with ground current. Stay away from isolated trees, electric poles, metal fences, water bodies and hilltops. This is not the time to finish farm work, continue a cricket match or wait under a shop shade with metal roofing.
Quick safety rules:
- Move indoors as soon as thunder starts.
- Avoid trees, poles, rooftops and open grounds.
- Stop swimming, bathing in ponds or working near water.
- Do not touch metal fences, pipes or electric wires.
- Unplug appliances if you are safely indoors.
- Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before going out.
Why Are Farmers And Outdoor Workers At Higher Risk?
Farmers, labourers, delivery workers, street vendors and construction workers face higher lightning risk because they spend long hours outdoors. Kerala State Disaster Management Authority data reported by Times of India said Kerala has recorded 151 lightning deaths since 2015, with many fatalities linked to exposure rather than direct strikes alone. The report also noted that side splashes and ground conductivity can be deadly, especially in open or elevated areas.
This is why outdoor workers need early warning discipline. If thunderclouds build up, stopping work for safety is not laziness. It is survival. Employers, farm owners and families should treat lightning alerts seriously and should not pressure workers to continue during active thunderstorms.
What Should Families Teach Children?
Children often run to balconies, rooftops, playgrounds or trees during rain because they treat storms as fun. Parents need to teach them simple rules before the storm season begins. During thunder, children should come indoors, stay away from windows, avoid touching plugged-in devices and not play near water or metal objects.
Schools should also take this seriously. Outdoor assembly, sports practice and school dispersal during lightning need strict caution. A few minutes of delay is better than exposing children to open-ground lightning risk. The uncomfortable truth is that many avoidable accidents happen because adults dismiss weather alerts as overreaction.
Conclusion: What Is The One Rule To Remember?
The simplest lightning safety rule is this: when thunder starts, go indoors. Do not wait for heavy rain, do not stand under trees, do not continue outdoor work and do not make storm videos from exposed places. India loses thousands of people to lightning because many people still treat basic safety advice as optional.
Lightning does not give second chances. Respect the warning, move early, stay away from open and conductive areas, and teach children the same rules. The storm will pass, but one careless decision can permanently damage a family.
FAQs?
What Is The Safest Place During Lightning?
A proper building with walls and electrical safety is usually the safest place during lightning. If a building is not available, an enclosed vehicle can be safer than open ground, trees or metal sheds. People should avoid open fields, rooftops, water bodies and isolated trees during thunderstorms.
Is It Safe To Stand Under A Tree During Lightning?
No, standing under a tree during lightning is dangerous. IMD guidance clearly warns people not to take shelter under trees because they can conduct electricity and expose people to deadly side flashes or ground current. A proper indoor shelter is the safer choice.
Should I Unplug Appliances During Thunderstorm?
Yes, if it is safe to do so before or during early storm activity, unplugging electrical and electronic appliances can reduce risk from lightning-related surges. People should also avoid touching wired devices, electrical fittings, metal pipes and connected appliances during active lightning.
How Long Should I Wait After Thunder Stops?
A safe rule is to wait around 30 minutes after the last thunder before going outdoors again. Lightning can strike even when rain has reduced, so rushing outside immediately after the storm weakens is a bad habit that can still expose people to danger.