Bhubaneswar, August 6: lightning strikes remain a major challenge for the state. Shockingly, in the past three days, 10 people have lost their lives due to lightning.

Most of the victims were farmers aged between 25 and 40 years, who were working in agricultural fields during thunderstorms. Seven of those killed were farmers engaged in paddy transplantation work. A cattle grazer, a person using a mobile phone, and a physical education teacher sitting under a tree on a school campus were also among the victims.

Despite advance weather warnings from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and awareness campaigns by the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA), lightning deaths continue to occur. Officials say many farmers working in remote fields fail to receive or act on mobile alerts issued before thunderstorms.

To reduce fatalities, the Odisha government is planning to introduce Electric Field Meters with automatic sirens that will alert people about approaching lightning, thunderstorms, heavy rain, or strong winds. The system, developed with support from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and IMD, will initially be installed in five lightning-prone districts — Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Ganjam, Keonjhar, and Cuttack.

The siren system will provide alerts within a radius of 1.5 to 5 kilometres, helping farmers, cattle grazers, and people working outdoors move to safer locations before lightning strikes.

Experts say lightning activity is highest during the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons, especially in May, July, and August. The risk is greater between 2 pm and 7 pm, particularly during periods of extreme heat and humidity.

Meteorologists have advised farmers to complete fieldwork during morning hours and avoid open areas, trees, and water bodies during thunderstorms. They stressed that awareness and timely action remain the most effective ways to prevent lightning deaths.

Government data shows that nearly 600 people died due to lightning in Odisha during 2023–24 and 2024–25, while 1,625 deaths were recorded between 2019–20 and 2023–24. Mayurbhanj district reported the highest number of fatalities with 119 deaths, highlighting the urgent need for stronger warning systems and public awareness.