THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A day after two persons were killed by lightning at Kilimanoor, the Attingal MLA Satyan raised the issue at the legislative assembly and managed to secure an order that sanctioned Rs 4 lakh each for the victims. However, not many are fortunate to receive timely compensation as the Central Government still does not consider lightning as a natural calamity inspite of it being the biggest cause of death due to nature’s activity. As per various estimates, around 70 people die annually of lightning in the state.
Between 1986 and 2002, around 159 people died in Thiruvananthapuram due to lightning. The district has over 400 living victims of lightning, which is the highest in the state. “Areas such as Gandhipuram at Sreekariyam, Mangalapuram, Kilimanoor Kattakada have places prone to lightning. Kumbil at Kadakkal on the Thiruvananthapuram-Kollam border is a place synonymous for lightning strikes. Representations were given to the Centre on multiple occasions to consider lighting as a calamity. This will ensure funds under the National Disaster Relief fund. However, there is no luck yet,” said an official at the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).
As per sources, even SDMA has mapped areas affected by lightning only on a macro-level as very little can be done to prevent lightning. Interestingly, in 83 per cent of the cases, casualties due to lightning took place between 3pm and 3am. Incidents are high in the months of April- May and during October and November before and after the onset of the South West monsoon. “Lightnings strike hillocks, rocky terrain and mineral rich areas. The high density of population adds to the risk in Kerala,” an expert added.
Not many takers for lightning arresters
In spite of being among the worst affected by lightning strikes, residents of Thiruvananthapuram district rarely invest in installing lightning arresters on domestic buildings. Taller buildings, waterfront properties and dwindling green cover exposes more buildings to lightning attacks. However, very rarely would someone who owned a house below 2500 square feet install an arrester, say experts.
“Lightning arresters can be installed from Rs 30,000 and may cost up to Rs one lakh for a normal household. Apart from providing security to life and property, electrical appliances in the house will also be safe. It is used widely in districts like Malappuram and Idukki but is yet to be popular in small households,” said Manish J, who works with Elsafe protection.
“Damage due to lightning happens in pockets like Gandhipuram, Sreekariyam and Kadakkal on the Kollam border. However, there is little awareness on lightning arresters in the capital,” said an official of Karumom based Alert Lightning protection. The lightning rods are connected to the ground with copper wires and ‘earthing’ is done at various points. Houses with modern-day metal sheets over the roof are more susceptible to lighting unless safeguarded using lightning arresters. It was a must for high rises above five or eight storeys, safety experts said.
