GOVERNMENT OF ANDHRA PRADESH

Thunderstorms& Lightning
Action plan -2021

ANDHRA PRADESH STATE DISASTER MANAGEMENTAUTHORITY

REVENUE (DM) DEPARTMENT.
 Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................................................... 1
2. Action Plan on Lightning ........................................................................................................................................................... 4
Necessity of Lightning Action Plan........................................................................................................................................... 4

OBJECTIVES OF THE PLAN .................................................................................................................................................. 4

KEY COMPONENTS OF THE PLAN ...................................................................................................................................... 4

3. Early Warning & Communications ............................................................................................................................................ 5

Forecast and Issuance of Alerts/ Warning ............................................................................................................................... 5

Early warning/alerts ................................................................................................................................................................. 5

Dissemination of Information ................................................................................................................................................... 6

Near Real Time Location Specific Alert System................................................................................................................... 6

4. Prevention, Mitigation and Preparedness Measures ................................................................................................................ 8

Preventive Measures ............................................................................................................................................................... 8

Mitigation and Preparedness Measures .................................................................................................................................. 8

Structural Mitigation Measures ................................................................................................................................................ 9

4. 4 Action – Before, During and After ................................................................................................................................... 10

(a) Before Thunderstorm and Lightning ....................................................................................................................... 10

(b) During Thunderstorms and Lightning ...........................................................................................................................10

(c) After lightning strike effect on a human being ............................................................................................................... 11

5. Capacity Building .................................................................................................................................................................... 11

6. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF DEPARTMENTS / AGENCIES ................................................................................... 11
7. Myths on lightning................................................................................................................................................................... 12
8. Precautions ............................................................................................................................................................................ 13
Ensuring 108 /104 EMERGENCY SERVICE .......................................................................................................................... 14

2. Coordination and Response ................................................................................................................................................... 16

Dos and Don’ts related to Thunderstorm, Lightning, Squall, Hailstorm and Dust Storm (NDMA) .......................................... 28

Reporting formats for Thunderstorm and Lightning incidentreporting ......................................................................................... 32

AWARENESS PROGRAMS ........................................................................................................................................................ 36
9. CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................................................................................ 36
Ground level death reports in different locations ........................................................................................................................ 37
Village level Awareness programs ............................................................................................................................................. 38
Do’s and Don’ts Poster’s ................................................................................................................................................................................. 39
 K. Kanna Babu, IAS
Spl. Commissioner (Disaster Management) &
Ex-Officio Addl. Secretary to Government
Revenue (Disaster Management) Department
Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority

Foreword

Andhra Pradesh (AP) is one of the most vulnerable States in India to multiple natural disasters such as
Lightning, Heatwave, Cyclone, Heavy Rain, Flood, Hailstorm and Tsunami. Nine of the thirteen districts
distri of AP
are along the coast which are additionally at risk to the natural coastal hazards. Considering the proneness of
the state to various disasters, the Government of AP has established AP State Disaster Management
Authority (APSDMA) with State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) as its unit. SEOC follows an
integrated approach for early warning and dissemination of disaster risk information to the public and
the stakeholders on a real-time
time basis. In addition to natural disasters, SEOC also handles manma
manmade disasters
such as boat accidents and chemical/gas leakages from the industries.
V SAT communication system that
SEOC is equipped with dedicated BSNL connectivity, satellite phones and V-SAT
help information reach the lowest levels of the community.
Climate change
ange and global warming scenarios are increasingly alarming in the recent past and are most likely to
continue in the future, as well, unless preventive measures are adopted. As a result of increasing temperatures,
lightning strikes are likely to increase.
However, APSDMA has been taking various proactive measures to mitigate the adverse effects of the lightning
calamities and reduce the casualties by creating awareness programs through various means and by providing
action plans to all the stakeholders following the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines.
following
As result, the deaths in AP have exponentially reduced from 137 in 2018 to 75 in 2020.
In this context, I commend the efforts of the SEOC in bringing out the comprehensive Lightning Action
Actio Plan-
2021, which can be used as a guideline in reducing the deaths due to lightning. I hope the casualties will further
be reduced by following the action plan.

(K. Kannababu)
 1. INTRODUCTION

The Indian subcontinent is among the world’s most disaster-prone land masses. Almost 85% of India’s
geographical area is vulnerable to one or the other hazard(s). Out of the 29 States and 7 Union Territories, 22
states and union territories are disaster prone. India, with approximately 1.32 billion people, is the second most
populous country in the world. A high population density increases our vulnerability to various hazards. Besides
thunderstorm & Lightning have emerged as major weather hazards in recent years affecting different parts of
the country.

They have a devastating impact on agriculture and aviation sectors in addition to surface transport, power,
communication and other socio-economic sectors. These may also lead to loss of human lives, assets/ property/
livelihoods, etc.
Due to rising Global temperature and climate changes the severity in frequency of thunderstorms will rise
in the year ahead.
Thunderstorms have some important characteristics such as the formation of a squall, strong updraft and
downdraft, towering cumulonimbus clouds which are associated with turbulence and icing, in-cloud
electrification and associated lightning, localized strong rain and hailstorm.
Lightning is yet another weather-related disaster associated with thunderstorms. Lightning occurs due to
electrically charged regions in a cloud which is called intra-cloud lightning (IC) or between Cloud-to-Cloud (CC
lightning), or between a cloud and the ground (CG lightning). The charged regions in the atmosphere temporarily
equalize themselves through this discharge referred to as a flash. A lightning flash becomes a strike if it involves
an object on the ground. The flow of electric charges can affect any electrically conductive body. Hence, electrical
appliances, if operated during a lightning strike, can affect their normal functioning and have a risk of becoming
faulty. Similarly, living beings coming in contact with lightning, either directly or indirectly through electrical
conductors, can be affected, which may lead to severe burns or even deaths. Lightning strikes the Earth 50 to
100 times each second over the globe.

impact of Thunderstorm/Lightning
Rural and forest areas are the most vulnerable given the presence of tall trees and water bodies. A majority
of the lightning victims are people working in the fields in rural areas. Lightning is also a major cause of electrical
power breakdowns and forest fires. It can also damage communication and computer equipment and affect
aircraft navigation systems. A moderate thunderstorm can damage thatched huts, kutcha roads, standing crops,
orchards, power and communication lines. A severe thunderstorm can cause major damage to thatched houses/
huts. Rooftops may also blow off. Unattached or loosely tied metal sheets may fly. It can also damage power and
communication lines as well as roads, besides flooding of escape routes, breaking of tree branches, uprooting of
large trees, etc.

Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Earth
Sciences, Government of India, has initiated a project to study the characteristics of lightning by using Lightning
Location Network (LLN). This network can accurately detect the location of occurrence of a lightning strike and
can help forewarn the public at least 1-2 hours before the occurrence of a thunderstorm. Population density,
literacy rate and urbanization along with the density of lightning strikes and the region's topography are the
major factors affecting lightning deaths.

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 160 Thunderbolt deaths: 2017 - 2020
137
140

120
No.of Deaths

100
80 75
80
61
60
40
20
0
2017 2018 2019 2020
Year's
Fig 1: Thunderbolt deaths during 2017-2020
The following table due to the lightning activity in the state of Andhra Pradesh shows the number of deaths
occurred last four years.
Table -1 District wise and year wise deaths reported due to thunderstorm & lightning
District wise Thunderbolt Death Statistics Report -2017 to 2020

S.No Districts 2017 2018 2019 2020

1 Srikakulam 4 16 6 8
2 Vizianagaram 17 19 9 12
3 Vishakhapatnam 0 8 6 8
4 East Godavari 1 2 0 3
5 West Godavari 1 3 3 0
6 Krishna 1 5 4 2
7 Guntur 5 26 17 7
8 Prakasam 13 12 13 10
9 Nellore 8 6 11 13
10 Chittoor 0 8 3 5
11 YSR Kadapa 1 9 1 1
12 Ananthapur 9 4 0 4
13 Kurnool 1 19 7 2
Total 61 137 80 75
The deaths have reduced from 137 in 2018 to 75 in 2020. Since the activity starteded in late April in 2017
less member deaths were reported (Fig 1 & Table 1).

Definition and classification of thunderstorm and associated weather phenomena

A. Thunderstorms:
A thunderstorm is said to have occurred if thunder is heard or lightning is seen. Usually, the thunder
can be heard up to a distance of 40 km from the source of origin. Thunderstorms fall in the category of
Meso-gamma weather systems with a spatial extent of around 2~20 km and temporal scale of a few hours.
Considering their intensity, the thunderstorms in India are categorised as follows:

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 Moderate thunderstorm: Loud peals of thunder with associated lightning flashes
Moderate to heavy rain spells and maximum wind speed of 29 to 74 kmph.
Severe thunderstorm: Continuous thunder and occasional hailstorm, and maximum
wind Speed exceeding 74 kmph.
Thunderstorms occur round the year in different parts of the country. However, their frequency and
intensity are maximum during summer months (March to June) as the most important factor for the occurrence
of thunderstorms is the intense heating up of the atmosphere at the surface level.
B. Lightning:

Lightning is a high-energy luminous electrical discharge accompanied by thunder. It is of three types:

1) Thundercloud or Intra-cloud lightning (IC)
2) Cloud-to-cloud or Inter-cloud lightning (CC)
3) Cloud-to-ground lightning (CG)

The third type of lightning takes a toll on lives and property, and therefore, is of more concern to us.
However, inter-cloud and intra-cloud lightning are also dangerous as they may hit aircrafts. These are also the
precursor to cloud-to-ground lightning.

Lightning has a total path length of a few kilometres. Its peak power and total energy are very high, with
the peak power discharge in the order of a 100 million watts per meter of the channel and the peak channel
temperature approaching 30,000 °C. Peak currents in a lightning discharge range up to hundreds of kilo
amperes (kA) with its typical value being 40 kA. Predicting the precise time and location of lightning is very
difficult. However, a season or a period of lightning occurrence is known for many regions. Month wise deaths
occurred from 2017 to 2020 are given in the table-2

Table 2: Month wise No of strikes during 2017- 2020 Cloud - Ground

Month 2017 2018 2019 2020
January -- -- -- 43297
March 28725 10432 71287 39791
April 82185 95368 100117 164305
May 279138 181140 217325 600547
June 176104 359013 138661 277322
July 12047 160517 25874 418395
August 81010 188151 84888 225208
September 185370 156210 104735 87324
October 173062 89839 28830 29549
Total 1017641 1240670 771717 1125159

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 2. Action Plan on Lightning
Necessity of Lightning Action Plan
Thunderstorms & Lightning have received limited attention compared to Cyclone, Earthquake and Floods.
However Thunderstorm and its associated weather phenomenon severely impact different parts of India
including Andhra Pradesh.

• From 1st March to 31st October in 2018, Andhra Pradesh observed 137 deaths out of 2300 deaths across India.
Most of the affected people belong to economically and socially weaker section of the society.
• Apart from loss of precious human lives, property, infrastructure, livestock and livelihoods are severely
impacted.
• Due to advancement in technology and understanding of Thunderstorm and Lightning, Preparedness and
Mitigation measures can significantly reduce the impact of Thunderstorm and Lightning and related weather
phenomenon.
Hence the action plan on lightning is required to reduce the deaths due to lightning.
OBJECTIVES OF THE PLAN

 To reduce loss of lives, injuries, economic losses

 To improve and implement the mitigation plans affectively enabling to respond promptly and effectively
 To develop tools for assessment and undertake preparedness measures through coordinated inter-agency
efforts.
 To undertake reconstruction as an opportunity to build disaster resilient structures and habitat.
 To evolve a coordinated strategy for disaster risk reduction in all the affected areas by involving all the
stakeholders (administration, line departments, scientists, engineers, Panchayat Raj Institutions, Non-
Governmental Organisations, Community Based Organisations and communities).

KEY COMPONENTS OF THE PLAN

Severe and extended incidents of thunderstorm and lightning can disrupt social and economic services.
Government agencies have a critical role to play in preparing and responding to the severe weather atmospheric
events at the local level, working closely with all stakeholder departments on a short, medium and long-term
strategic plan. The main key components of the plan are:

 Establish qualitative and effective Early Warning System

 Inter-agency coordination and communication
 Developing advanced preparedness, mitigation and response plan
 Preparedness at the local level for effective incidence response plan
 Capacity building and training
 Public awareness and community outreach
 Collaboration with Non-Government Organisations and civil society
Assessing the impact and getting feedback for reviewing and updating the plan based on experiences during
previous years.

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 3. Early Warning & Communications
Forecast and Issuance of Alerts/ Warning
India Meteorological Department (IMD), Ministry of Earth Sciences, is the nodal agency for providing
current weather information and forecast, including warnings for all weather related hazards.
Forecasts (Based on Specific Range, Time Duration and Area)

While short to medium range forecast provides the potential areas with a probability of occurrence,
nowcasting provides more specific information about the place/time of occurrence.

A thunderstorm is a small-scale phenomenon and has a life cycle of about three hours. It has a dimension
of 2 km to 20 km, and therefore, its detection is difficult. Weather monitoring systems such as automatic weather
stations (AWS) provide some basic parameters such as wind speed, wind direction, relative humidity, temperature,
pressure, etc., but do not predict lightning.

Thunder clouds can be captured by the geostationary satellite located at 36,000km. These signatures can
be used in lightning studies.

On the day of occurrence of a severe weather incident/thunderstorm, State-level offices of the IMD start
nowcasting. As nowcasting is valid for the next two to three hours, it gives only a limited lead-time. This nowcast,
which is at the district level, is provided to Relief Commissioners, State Control Rooms, District Collectors, Disaster
Management units, etc. This alert is specific and issued for a district with the time of occurrence and associated
wind speed. With these, IMD has started all India nowcast services for localised, high impact weather incidents such
as thunderstorms with a lead time of up to 3 hours in advances since 2013.
To be effective and complete, an Early Warning System needs to comprise four indicating elements:

(i) Risk knowledge

(ii) Monitoring and warning service
(iii) Dissemination and communication
(iv) Response mechanism and capacity building

Early warning/alerts: Dissemination and communication Strategy

Dissemination strategy of warning messages
The impact of severe weather events and lightning in the state is significant, especially to the safety of the
public and also to the activities of the Government of Andhra Pradesh.

The proximity lightning detection network system is the best way for detection of
Lightning/Thunderstorm.
Andhra Pradesh state disaster management authority (APSDMA) in collaboration with M/s Earth Networks INC
USA, sensor network has been established across Andhra Pradesh.
Since in-cloud (IC) lightning is a precursor to severe weather, a system has been developed to identify the
In-cloud lightning with very high efficiency which subsequently enables the system to be able to provide accurate
and widespread alerts to all kinds of dangerous conditions including Cloud to Ground (C to G) Lightning strikes.
Further, the Earth Networks tools are customised to the operational needs of State Emergency Operation
Centre (SEOC).
In the process, the SEOC also uses IMD Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) information for determining the
thunderstorm / Lighting activity in order to cross-verify the data presented in visualization tool.

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 Dissemination of Information

The state-of-the-art Lightning detection and alerting mechanism has been established in SEOC and further
developed a detailed operating procedure to monitor and warn in advance of 30-40 min regarding possible
thunderstorms/lightning. One of the ways of communication is through BSNL SMS service. The total number of
subscribers and the number of SMS consumed during 2017-2020 is given in Table 3.

Table-3: The number of subscribers and number of SMS consumed during 2017-2020

S.no Year Total Subscribers No of SMS Messages

1 2017 1,05,07,337 2,10,14,674

2 2018 4,62,10,772 13,86,32,316
3 2019 1,33,76,047 40,12,80,141
4 2020 13,10,38,965 39,31,16,895

Once a lightning is detected by the Earth Networks sensors, it triggers a notification on visualization tool, which is
being Monitored 24/7 on display screens at SEOC.

Below steps are followed as operational procedure

Step 1: The alert information in a message format is sent through Social Media applications (Whats App &
Telegram) to respective Tahsildars and concerned Village Revenue Officers (VRO) of the possible risk area. At the
same time Alert messages are sent to all media centres through Information & Public Relations (I&PR) department
for scrolling’s in TV channels and FM radio Announcements.

Step 2: Near Real Time Location Specific Alert SMS are sent through BSNL Platform for all its subscribers.

Step 3: Telephonic calls are made to concerned Tahsildar, Village Revenue Officers and depending upon the
severity escalations are made up to District Collectors.

Step 4: Repeat the process, till all lightning strikes are cleared.

Near Real Time Location Specific Alert System

The innovative practice of disseminating, Location Specific risk information is done on real time basis, where
the near real time Location Specific data of its subscribers is maintained at BSNL server to which the alert is sent
through SMS in both English and Telugu languages as show in Figure-2.

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 Fig 2: Near real time location specific BSNL alert system

nation depends upon the severity of the event as well as the terrain and population of the area
The area of dissemination
where lightning activity is likely to happen.

The area of dissemination is determined by SEOC staff and alert messages are disseminated through Costume made
webb based tool, by entering latitude and Longitude of the region along with estimated radius of lightning affected
region.

Lightning Ground truth

 Observed lightning locations are cross checked with the district officials regarding the report of Injury /
Death of Human / Livestock at the predicted location of strike.
District/Local Level:
The local authorities, due to their proximity to the affected population are in the best position for ensuring
last mile delivery of messages Such as:
 Conduct regular inter-personal
personal communication activities
 Demonstrate the safety tips to the vulnerable population in their local language, using local customs,
cultural aspects and behaviour patterns;
 Strengthen and involve local communities such as Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), Municipal
bodies, NGOs etc.
 Panchayati Raj Institutions, anganwadis, gram sabhas, medical professionals and other local networks;
 Give special emphasis to dissemination in locations of “closed homogeneous groups” such as schools,
colleges, offices, cinemas, etc.
 Carry out Out-of-Home campaigns using banners, posters, billboards, etc.
 Carry out special awareness programmes for the differently-abled, persons.

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 4. Prevention, Mitigation and Preparedness Measures
Preventive Measures:
Disaster prevention covers measures aimed at impeding the occurrence of a disaster incident and/or preventing
such an occurrence from affecting communities. The occurrence of thunderstorm and squall can’t be impeded.
However, their harmful effects can be minimized through a number of measures.
(a) Hazard and Vulnerability Assessment: Micro-level hazard zoning shall be done and vulnerable areas must
be clearly marked on a map. The following maps indicates the lightning activity occurred during 2018 showing with
maximum strikes occurred in Vishakhapatnam (28,770) and with lowetest strikes of the (6,298) in West Godavari
district. However the vulnerability areas (locations specific/ mandal specific) assessment shall be identified by the
district administration on bases of past experiences

The extent of vulnerability (mild, moderate or intensive) and the probable cost of damages to crops due to incidents
of varying intensities must be included in the assessment report to be prepared by the district administration.

The following table shows the district wise and year wise no.of strikes occurred during the lightning activity.
S.No District 2017 2018 2019 2020
1 Srikakulam 33628 89314 28175 58308
2 Vizianagaram 73397 108249 68941 71099
3 Visakhapatnam 125827 179659 93163 146327
4 East Godavari 85080 103810 55980 151800
5 West Godavari 38103 33199 30557 57356
6 Krishna 52994 63751 39451 121046
7 Guntur 71397 85076 54750 61104
8 Prakasam 135135 123462 80978 61729
9 Nellore 118143 74022 91752 128392
10 Chittoor 80260 70557 57993 96781
11 Kadapa 80453 104367 63360 73306
12 Anantapur 50989 93592 62242 36913
13 Kurnool 72235 111612 81354 60998
Grand Total 10,17,641 12,40,670 7,71,717 11,25,159

Mitigation and Preparedness Measures

a. Enhanced understanding of preparedness and mitigation measures: This will help us to minimize the
losses due to thunderstorms and lightning.
b. Hazard Resistant Construction:
 Relevant building codes and guidelines of the Bureau of Indian standards shall be followed while
constriction of houses for multiple hazard resilient housing.
 Ensure community based and organization level disaster preparedness with special reference to
thunderstorm and lightning.
 Conduct safety audit for all the buildings of essential services in the state / district with special references
to lightning hazard risk.

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c. Laying underground electricity cables and telephone lines: These are best suited, particularly for
congested townships where thunderstorms/squall may cause falling of electricity and telephone poles, and
snapping of cables.

d. Emergency Communication Systems: Planning, updating and mobilization of existing radio

communication resources in emergency situations and acquisition of satellite phones to make them available at the
mandal/Village/Municipal level to ensure prompt response in the event of occurrence of any disaster.

e. Technical, Social, Organizational and Administrative preparedness: The most urgent need of the hour
is to develop a DSS (Decision Support System) for lightning nowcast, which is currently being done using the
existing network of observations, radars, satellites and lightning data. To accomplish this, the DWR and lightning
network could be expanded over all thunderstorm prone areas across the State/District and information thus
obtained could be merged with satellite observation to generate meaningful insights for different regions with a lead
time of 1-2 hours.

The nowcast alerts/warnings shall be accompanied with actionable information (Do’s and Don’ts) and
potential impact (expected damage). The DDMAs, Mandal-level Disaster Management Group (MMG) at
subdivision/ Mandal level shall be formed with representatives of various line departments, including Agriculture,
Forest, BSNL and other telecom service providers, Electricity Board, Revenue, P.W.D, Health, Police and Fire
Brigade. Village Disaster Management Committees (VDMCs) shall also be formed at the village level comprising
local villagers. This would certainly strengthen the local response mechanisms to disasters.

f. Emergency Plan for Hospitals and Health Centres: Emergency expansion plan for civil hospitals,
community health centres, Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and additional PHCs, including schemes for mobile
medical teams for a post-disaster situation, shall be in place. A list of Army hospitals, Govt. Hospitals (both Centre
and State), private hospitals and nursing homes in each district shall be prepared. Phone numbers of all these
medical facilities shall be available in the District Control Room as well as in the SEOC. Based on the hazard
assessment, emergency medicines, Operation Theatres and life-saving drugs shall be kept ready. Vacant post of
doctors and paramedical staff shall be filled in all the government hospitals in order to make available the required
number of medical workers at the time of an emergency. An Action Plan must be considered for training of doctors
and paramedical staff on handling patient inflow and treating them in case of a disaster.

g. Focusing on Research and Establishing a Forecasting Centre for Thunderstorm and lightning to
carry out the hazard zonation and vulnerability analysis for thunderstorm and squall with State-level knowledge
institutions.

h. Making Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) a part of school and college curriculum: Youth and children
shall be taught about extreme weather incidents and the Do’s and Don’ts to be followed before, during and after a
disaster. They act as agents of change and bring about greater awareness in the neighbourhood and society.

Structural Mitigation Measures

The most effective structural measures against thunderstorms, lightning, squall and strong winds are meant to
protect against the strong, high-speed winds and against the electric discharge due to a lightning strike.
Protection against Lightning — Lightning Shields
Installation of lightning arrestors and sound earthing for each building is essential. Lightning shields are the most
commonly employed structural protection measure for buildings and other structures. A lightning shield consists
of the installation of a lightning conductor at a suitably high location at the top of the structure. The conductor is
grounded using a metal strip of suitable conductance. The grounding of the conductor is also specially designed to
ensure rapid dissipation of the electrical charge of a lightning strike into the ground.

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Lightning shields are not foolproof in their effectiveness. The ability of lightning shields to complete the cloud-to-
ground circuit depends on several variables such as the height of the conductor, the shape and size of adjoining
structures or natural conductors. The cone of protection is also highly variable and the angle of protective cone
decreases with the increase in height of the shield’s conductor. Very tall buildings may require lightning conductors
at intermediate levels of the building in addition to the ones at its roof.
Since most of the lightning deaths occur at the agriculture fields arresters should be installed closer to the
fields in addition to having the over the buildings. Shelter should also be constructed closer to the fields.
4. 4 Action – Before, During and After

(a) Before Thunderstorm and Lightning

To prepare for a thunderstorm, one should do the following:

 Do remember that vivid and frequent lightning indicates the probability of a strong Thunderstorm.
 To begin preparing, you shall build an emergency kit and make a famil communications plan.
 Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe
thunderstorm.
 Postpone outdoor activities.
 Remember the 30/30 Lightning Safety Rule: Go indoors if, after seeing lightning,you cannot count to
30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.
 Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
 Get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile (not a convertible). Although you may be injured
if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.
 Remember, rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the
steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.
 Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers and turn off air
 Conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
 Shutt windows and outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains.
 Unplug any electronic equipment well before the storm arrives.

(b) During Thunderstorms and Lightning

If thunderstorm and lightning are occurring in your area, one should:

 Use your battery-operated radio/TV for updates from local officials.

 Avoid contact with corded phones and devices including those plugged for recharging.
 Cordless and wireless phones not connected to wall outlets are safe to use.
 Avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords.
 Avoid contact with plumbing or pipes. Do not wash your hands, do not take a shower, do not wash
dishes, and do not do laundry. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.
 Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
 Do not lie on concrete floors and do not lean against concrete walls.
 Avoid natural lightning rods such as a tall, isolated tree in an open area.
 Avoid hilltops, open fields, the beach or a boat on the water.
 Take shelter in a sturdy building. Avoid isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas.
 Avoid contact with metal tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, and bicycles.
 If you are driving, try to safely exit the roadway and park. Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency
flashers until the strong rain ends. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in
and outside the vehicle.

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(c) After lightning strike effect on a human being
If lightning strikes you or someone you know, call for medical assistance as soon as possible. You shall
check the following when you attempt to give aid to a victim of lightning:
 Breathing – If breathing has stopped, begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
 Heartbeat – If the heart has stopped, administer Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
 Pulse – if the victim has a pulse and is breathing, look for other possible injuries. Check for burns where
the lightning entered and left the body. Also be alert for nervous system damage, broken bones and loss
of hearing and eyesight.

5. Capacity Building

The State/District administration shall emphasize greater awareness by making Thunderstorm and Lightning,
Squall, Dust/ Hailstorm, Strong Winds(TLSD/HSW) education as a part of educational curricula, covering all the
relevant aspects. This would result in fostering a culture of prevention, mitigation and preparedness as well as
effective and rapid response, relief, rehabilitation and recovery. Case studies of major previous incidents may be
used as valuable inputs in the process.
The State/District administration shall coordinate with Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Earth Sciences and
Ministry of Human Resources Development for preparation of martial on relevant topics on the above hazards for
imparting training for all the stakeholders, community volunteers, NGOs, community based organisations, youth
organizations, such as NCC,NSS,NYKS, School teachers, Home Guards, Urban planners etc.

The NIDM, under the guidance of the NDMA at the national level and SDMAs /State governments and
Administrative Training Institutes (ATIs) at the State level, will also organize training of elected representatives
(Members of Parliament, Members of Legislative Assemblies, Councillors, panchayat members, etc.) and
administrative personnel from all central ministries and departments and State governments.

6. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF DEPARTMENTS / AGENCIES

I. Incident Controller / Nodal Officer

Commissioner, Disaster Management & E.O. secretary- Nodal Officer for State
District Collector – Nodal officer for District
Commissioner (Municipal) –Nodal Officer for Respective Municipalities

• The state-of-the-art lightning alerting system set up in the SEOC have a detailed operating procedure to
effectively monitor and warn in advance regarding thunderstorms and lightening.
• Once a lightening has happened, within 5 minutes an email notification is received from Earth Networks
System which initiates the in depth observation and close monitoring of the activity through a visualization tool
on screen. If the intensity of the activity is high, the team of operators follows deterministic process, fill alerting
forms and notify SEOC in-charge about the situation.
• Review of quantitative and qualitative data for process evaluation and improvements are carried out.
• Annual evaluation of Lightning Action Plan is annually evaluated by organizing a meeting with key
Departments / Agencies and relevant stakeholders.

SEOC-APSDMA Page | 11
 7. Myths on lightning:
As a part of the awareness programs some myths on lightning should also be communicated to the
public. Some of the myths are:
a. The person struck by a lightning carries an electrical charge, as a result, he/she is attended for a
medical aid. The fact is the struck by the lightning does not carry any charge and should be
attended by immediately.
b. The second misconception is that lightning does not strike the same place twice. Actually,
lightning can strike at the same place several times and the consistent forecast is based on this
concept.
c. The third myth is that lightning can never occur without rain. What is required for lightning to
occur is the presence of cumulonimbus clouds with sufficient charge.
d. The other misconception is, we are completely safe in a metal-bodied vehicle. As long as we stay
inside without touching the metal parts or without peeping outside. In fact, we should not enter
into a car when it is lighting.
8. Precursers:
Before the lightning occurs, a few precursors can be observed. Two of them are: An FM radio can pick
up the static of lightning discharge well before the thunder and can give an alert (Fig. 2).

Fig.2: Sample of FM radio

Static electricity can build up with hair on end and with tingling sensation (fig.), which can be used as
a warning for the upcoming lightning.

Fig.3: Raising of hair due to the static electricity before lightning

SEOC-APSDMA Page | 12
 9. Precautions:
Whenever a lightning alert is given, one should become as small as possible by squatting to the
ground as low as possible as shown in fig. 4.

Fig.4: Example of squatting after hearing the lightning alert

One should not be very close to a tree as the side splash is likely to hit. The safer places to stay slightly
away from the tree(fig.5).

Fig.5: Side splash of lightning closer to a tree

The Unsafe place during lightning are:
 Small structures including huts & rain shelters.
 Nearby metallic objects like fences, gates, instrumentation and electrical equipment, wires, and power poles.
 Also AVOID isolated trees, AVOID water, AVOID open fields, AVOID using the (hard wired) telephone and
headsets.
 Avoid being in or near high places (tanks/towers/stacks) or open fields or under isolated trees, under
communication towers, flagpoles, metal fences, rivers
 Parking lots / Tennis Courts / Golf Courses / athletic fields / tents & temporary structures
 Near clotheslines, wire fences, overhead wires, and rail-road tracks
 When inside a building, avoid the use of the telephone, taking a shower, washing your hands, electrical wiring,
cable TV wiring, plumbing, Appliances, being near windows & stay off balconies

II. Revenue DM Department

 The alert messages are sent to Tahsildars and concerned Village Revenue Officers (VRO).

 Alert messages are sent through WhatsApp mobile application and social media to Information & Public
Relations (I&PR) department to publish in TV channels.

SEOC-APSDMA Page | 13
  The message related to the scrolling of alert on TV and FM radio, the messages containing alert information
are sent on separate WhatsApp group named as “ALERT (Media)” created by SEOC for media channels.
 Conduct the 30/30 Lightning Safety Rule: Go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to
30before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.

III. Medical & Health Department and Medical Professionals

• Keep emergency wards ready in all PHCs / UHCs and Hospitals
• Increase outreach of community health workers in at-risk neighborhoods during a thunderstorm
/lightning alert, if feasible.
• Report Thunderbolts patients to Nodal Officer on daily basis and generate weekly reports on public
health impacts of thunderstorm /lightning for Nodal Officer.
• Expedite recording of cause of death in death certificates.

Ensuring 108 /104 EMERGENCY SERVICE:

(a) Activate dynamic strategic deployment plan for ambulances.

(b) Adequate supply of ice packs, IV fluids and medicines.
(c) Keep accurate records of pre-hospital care.
(d) Ensuring adequate staff on duty and restrict leave if necessary.

IV. MA & UD Department / Corporations / Municipalities & Panchayat Raj Department /

Panchayats / RWS

 Demonstrate the safety tips to the vulnerable population in their local language, using local customs,
cultural aspects and behaviour patterns;
 Local artists and art forms may be utilized for entertainment based education programmes.
 Strengthen and involve local communities such as RWAs, Municipal bodies, NGOs,
 Panchayati Raj Institutions, anganwadis, gram sabhas, medical professionals and other local networks;
 Give special emphasis to dissemination in locations of “closed homogeneous groups” such as schools,
colleges, offices, cinemas, etc.

V. Information and Technology (IT) Department

• Send real time information through Dash board/ interface on all activities related to thunderstorm
/lightning.
• Activate Dash board.
• Activate thunderstorm /lightning insulation
• Generate reports encompassing all activities undertaken during thunderstorm /lightning alert to use
for evaluation of systems and action plan.

VI. Education Department

 If school is not functioning, permit use of school premises as shelter during lightning.

SEOC-APSDMA Page | 14
  An emergency kit should be buit as a first aid and make a famil communications plan.

VII. Fire Department

• Ensure presence of staff during Lightning alert period, if necessary by restricting leaves.
• Ensure functioning of communication equipment to receive messages / alerts of occurrence of fire.
• Ensure adequate supply of water and foam to fight fires.
VIII. Community groups / Self-help groups / ward level committees / NGOs
Reach the unreached and educate the community on a continuous basis, in addition to providing feedback
on the outreach and impact of lightning Action
Plan to the Key Departments / Agencies / Nodal Officers at State and District Levels.

The video clips developed by NDMA in English have been dubbed in Telugu were supplied to all the district
authorities and line departments besides uploading to the social media such as what’s App, face book and
YouTube. The links to the YouTube are give below.

During #Lightning and #thunderstorm Dos and Don'ts | Precautions | APSDMA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svLkbIXsL0s
#Lightning and #thunderstorm | Precautions | Awareness | APSDMA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKQqj_04Q0c
#Lightning || Precautions || #Staysafe from #Thunderstorm || APSDMA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KPz7rJ_dWY
Role and responsibilities of the agencies and the department s are given in the following tables.

SEOC-APSDMA Page | 15
 Roles and Responsibilities of the agencies/departments on Thunderstorm and Lightning, in Andhra Pradesh
1. Understanding Risk and Documentation

S.
Task/Activities State Responsibility District Responsibility
No.

Before Thunderstorm and Lightning

Lead Agency: Relief
Lead Agency:
Commissioner’s Office /
DDMA
1. SDMA
The proximity
1. The proximity lightning
lightning detection
detection network system is
Development of Mapping of Thunderstorm and network system is
Systematic study of past being used in collaboration
Thunderstorm, Lightning affected areas on no.of being used in
lightning occurrences by with M/s Earth networks
Lightning and other deaths and injuries (both humans collaboration with
any expert agency or INC, USA. Using sensor
associated weather and animals) at different places with M/s Earth networks
group. network in A.P. latitude and longitude points are INC, USA. Using
events risk profile in Support Agency: being identified. sensor network in
Andhra Pradesh IMD, IITM and BSNL etc.
A.P.
2. Bulk SMS is being given
Support Agency:
to the BSNL subscribers on
IMD, IITM and Line
lightning alert messages
Departments at
district/mandal level.

SEOC-APSDMA Page | 16
 S. No. Task/Activities State Responsibility District Responsibility
After Thunderstorm and Lightning
Compile and document Lead Agency: Compile and document Lead Agency:
Thunderstorm and Lightning Relief Thunderstorm and Lightning DDMA
incidents’ related deaths (Human Commissioner’s incidents’ related deaths (Human
and Animals) and destruction of Office/ SDMA and Animals) and destruction of
infrastructure in the affected parts Support Agency: infrastructure in the affected parts of Support Agency:
Documentation
of the state. Fire Services, the district. Document Best Fire Services,
Thunderstorm,
Document Best Practices which Panchayati Raj Practices which have resulted in Panchayati
1 Lightning and
have resulted in prevention of loss Department, prevention of loss of human/animal RajDepartment,
. otherassociated life during the Thunderstorm and
of human/animal life during the Agriculture Agriculture
weather incidents Thunderstorm Lightning incident.
in Andhra Department, Power Department,
and Lightning incident. Department, Power
Pradesh
Revenue Department Department,
Revenue
Department

SEOC-APSDMA Page | 17
 2. Coordination and Response
S. No. Task/Activities
SEOC and DEOC Actively
coordinate on the
information of
Thunderstorm and Lightning
strikes, incidences to the key
stakeholders for the
1 immediate decisions by
. Relief Commissioner’s
Office/ SDMA and respective
departments.
Compilation of data on
deaths and injuries (human
loss and animals) due to
lightning activities at SEOC
1 level.
. site
Damage and Loss
2 Assessment
. Format and will be sent to
SEOC-APSDMA
State Responsibility
On the strike of Thunderstorm and Lightning on
receiving Early Warning
As per the tracking information Lead Agency:
of the thunderstorm and SDMA in
Lightning, SEOC will provide Coordination with
SEOC and line
information and advisory to the
departments.
DDMAs for actions.
After Thunderstorm and Lightning on receiving Early
Warning
Coordinate with DEOC for Lead Agency: Relief
immediate relief to the affected Commissioner’s
population and areas of the Office/SDMA in
incidences reported and provide Coordination with
advisory to the DDMAs for SEOC
actions.
1. Consolidate the data on the Lead Agency: Relief
casualties, damage and loss Commissioner’s
reported by the districts in Office/SDMA in
prescribed Coordination with
SEOC
Government of India.
District Responsibility
Coordinate with Gram Lead Agency:
Panchayats to ensure that all DDMA in
people are in safe shelters Coordination with all
following early warning messages line departments at
on thunderstorm and Lightning.
district level.
Coordinate with Lead Agency:
GPs/municipalities, police DDMA in
department for the clearance of Coordination with all
roads for the access to emergency line departments at
services in areas of the incidences district level.
reported. Coordinate with NDRF,
SDRF, Home guards, GPs for the
rescue of the people if stuck on the
of thunderstorms and
Lightning strike. Coordinate with
health department for the
deployment of ambulances for the
timely treatment of the injured
due to thunderstorm and
Lightning. Restore power supply
after the thunderstorm.
1. Collect the information of Lead Agency:
casualties, damage and loss in DDMA in
prescribed format and will be sent Coordination with all
to State Government. line departments at
district level.
Page | 18
 3. Early warning and Communication
S. No. Task/Activities State Responsibility District Responsibility
Before Thunderstorm and
Lightning
To provide technical advisory on early Lead Agency: Relief Received the alert messages from Lead Agency:
warning and monitoring system, Scope for Commissioner’s SEOC at district/mandal level. DDMA in
dissemination Office/SDMA in The same alert messages on lightning Coordination with all
of alerts using early warning systems. Coordination with and thunderstorm will be disseminated line departments at
1. SEOC to Villages level functionaries/public. district level.

Thunderstorm and
Lightning activity To Strengthen the system for Lead Agency: Relief Received the alert messages from Lead Agency:
using Early dissemination of existing Early warning Commissioner’s SEOC at district/mandal level. DDMA in
Warning ‘Nowcasting’ issued by IMD (It has lead- Office/SDMA in The Nowcast alert messages on Coordination with
2. Dissemination time /validity for 3 to 4 hours). Coordination with lightning and thunderstorm will be all line departments
System (EWDS) SEOC disseminated to Villages level at district level.
functionaries/public.

Systematic Mass Development/customization of awareness Lead Agency: Relief Conduct on awareness Lead Agency:
3 awareness material on Do’s and Don’ts related to Commissioner’s programs on Do’s and DDMA in
campaign on thunderstorm and lightning. Office/SDMA in Don’ts along with posters, Coordination with all
Do’s and Coordination with banners, videos, pamphlets. line departments at
Don’ts related SEOC district level.
related to thunderstorm
to and lightning.
thunderstorm
and lightning.

SEOC-APSDMA Page | 19
4. Prevention, Mitigation and Preparedness
S. Task/Activities State
No.
Mitigation and Prevention Measures
1 Conduct safety audit of Develop guidelines for
all the buildings of conducting safety audit of
essential services in the the critical infrastructure
state with special with special reference to
reference to Lightning Lightning hazard risk.
hazard risk. Coordinate with PWD,
Engineering institutions
and relevant departments
2 Implementation of Develop guidelines for
structural mitigation retrofitting, structural
measures for making mitigation measures for
critical infrastructure Making critical
safe from multiple infrastructure safe from
multiple
Hazards.
Develop advisory for
departments on budgetary
provisions from the
perspective of
mainstreaming of
disaster risk reduction and
increased in
Disaster.
SEOC-APSDMA
Responsibility District Responsibility
Lead Agency: Relief Systematically Lead Agency:
Commissioner’s coordinate with PWD, DDMA in
Office/SDMA in Engineering institutions Coordination with all line
Coordination with SEOC and relevant departments at district
departments for level.
Completion of safety
audits of critical
infrastructure with
special reference to
Lightning hazard.
Develop plan for
retrofitting, structural
mitigation measures for
making Critical
infrastructure safe from
multiple hazard risks.
Lead Agency: Relief 1. Develop advisory for Lead Agency:
Commissioner’s the district level DDMA in
Office/SDMA in departments for Coordination with all line
Coordination with SEOC completion of structural departments at district
mitigation measures level.
and retrofitting as
Per the guidelines from
Relief
Commissioner’s
Office/SDMA.
2. Periodic review of the
work completed in the
DDMA meetings.
Page | 20
S. No. Task/Activ State Responsibility District Responsibility
ities
Risk reduction. Urban Department
Development
Department.
Formation of state level task force Lead Agency: Formation of district level task force Lead Agency:
for ensuring that all new private Relief for ensuring that all new private and DDMA
and Public buildings are multiple Commissioner’s Public buildings are multiple hazards Support Agency:
hazard resilient t with special Office/ SDMA resilient with special reference to
Ensure all new PWD
infrastructure and reference to Lightning. Develop Lightning. Develop inter agency Revenue
Support
houses follow inter agency reporting mechanisms Agency:PWD reporting Mechanisms for the Department,
3
building codes and for the monitoring of Revenue monitoring of Reinforcement of Agriculture,
.
guidelines for reinforcement of building codes. Department, building codes. Health,
multiple hazard Develop advisory for DDMAs for Agriculture, 3. Periodic review of the new Education,Panchaya
resilient housing hazard resilient construction of new Health, constructions in the DDMA ti Raj,
buildings. Education, meetings. Rural development
PanchayatiRaj,R and
ural Urban
development Development
and Urban Department
Development
Department.
Formation of state level task Lead 1. Formation of district level Lead Agency:
force for ensuring that all new Age task force for ensuring DDMA
Ensure all new private and public buildings are ncy: Relief thatall new private and
infrastructure multiple hazard resilient with Commissioner’s public buildings are Support Agency:
and houses special reference to Lightning. Office/ SDMA multiple hazard resilient PWD
follow building Develop inter agency reporting with special reference to Revenue
codes and mechanisms for the monitoring of Support Agency: Lightning. Department,
4
guidelines for reinforcement of building codes. PWD Revenue 2. Develop inter agency Agriculture,
.
multiple Department, reporting mechanisms Health,
Agriculture, for the monitoring of Education,
Health, Education, Panchayati Raj,
reinforcement of
building codes.

hazard resilient 3. Develop advisory for Panchayati Raj, 3. Periodic review of the new Rural
housing. DDMAs for hazard Rural constructions in the DDMA development
resilient construction development meetings. and Urban
of new buildings. and Urban Development
Development Department
Department.

SEOC-APSDMA Page | 21
 5. Preparedness
S. No. Task/Activities State Responsibility District Responsibility
Preparedness
Ensure community Developed guidelines for Disaster Lead Agency: Relief District administration is to Lead Agency:
based and Preparedness with special reference Commissio er’s ensure to conduct coordination DDMA in
organization level to thunderstorm and Lightning. Office/SDMA meetings with line departments at Coordination with
1. disaster Develop guidelines for line department Support Agency: district level for preparedness as all line
preparedness with to ensure organization level disaster PWD Revenue per the Relief Commissioner’s departments at
special reference to preparedness with special reference Departmet, Office/ SDMA advisory, with district level.
Lightning and to thunderstorm and Lightning. Agriculture, Health, special reference to thunderstorm
thunderstorm Develop advisory for urban Education, and Lightning.
preparedness with special reference Panchayati Raj,
to thunderstorm and Lightning for Rural development
Urban local bodies. Conduct inter and Urban
agency coordination meeting to Development
ensure departmental preparedness Department
with special reference to
thunderstorm andLightning.

SEOC-APSDMA Page | 22
6. Capacity building
S. No. Task/Activities State Responsibility District Responsibility
Before Thunderstorm and
Lightning
To conduct Capacity building Lead Capacity building of community LeadAgency:
programmers for community level Agency level workers and volunteers Relief
workers and volunteers(Teachers, : Relief (Anganwadi workers, ASHA Commissioner’s
Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, Commissioner’s workers, National Cadet Corps, Office/ SDMA
Agriculture extension workers, Office/ National Service Scheme, Nehru
National Cadet Corps, National SDMA Yuvak Kendra Sangathan) on Support Agency:
Service Scheme, Nehru Yuvak lightning, thunderstorm and NIDM, State
Kendra Sangathan) on lightning and Support Agency: squalls at district, block and ATI,
thunderstorm NIDM, State village levels. Revenue
ATI, Department,
Medium-term Revenue Agriculture,
capacity building Department, Health,
programme on Agriculture, Health, Education,
1
lightning and Create Master trainers for wider reach Education, Panchayati
.
thunderstorm for Master trainers to conduct training at Panchayati Raj, Raj, Rural
targeted groups district, block and village levels Rural development,
development,UN UN
Agencies, NGOs Agencies,NGOs
Capacity building of masons Conduct training for masons on
Lead Agency: Relief Lead Agency:
on lightning and thunderstorm, Lightning and Thunderstorm, squall
Commissioner’s DDMA
squall risk reduction risk reduction through safe
Office/ SDMA
Review construction practices from construction practices at district,
Support Agency: Support Agency:
lightning and squall risk mitigation block and village levels. It will also
NIDM, State ATI, State ATI, Public
lens include earthquake and flood risk
Public Works, Works, Rural
Develop a ready to use booklet on mitigation elements.
Rural Engineering
construction practices Engineering Department,
Create Master Masons Department,
Real estate and construction

SEOC-APSDMA Page | 23
 Dos and Don’ts related to Thunderstorm, Lightning, Squall, Hailstorm and Dust Storm (NDMA)

1. If at Home or Work
Preparation
a) Look for darkening skies and increased wind.
b) If you hear thunder, then you are close enough to be struck by lightning.
c) Keep on monitoring local media for updates and warning instructions.
d) Stay indoors and avoid travel if possible.
e) Close windows and doors, and secure objects outside the home (eg. patio furniture, bins, etc.)
f) Ensure that children and animals are inside.
g) Unplug unnecessary electrical appliances (to isolate them from the main power supply which may conduct a powersurge
during a lightning storm)
h) Remove rotten tea timber or any other debris that may cause a flying hazard

Response

a) Avoid taking a bath or shower or running water for any purpose. This is because lightning can travel along pipes. Keep
away from doors, windows, fire places, stoves, bath-tubs, or any other electrical charge conductors.
b) Avoid using corded phones and other electrical equipment (mobile or cordless phones are safe)

2. If on Foot
Response
a) Go to safe shelter immediately – avoid metal structures and or constructions with metal sheeting.
b) Ideally find shelter in a low lying area and make sure that the spot chosen is not likely to flood. Crouch down with feet
together and head down to make yourself a smaller target.
c) Hairs standing up on the back of your neck could indicate that a lightning is imminent.
d) Do not lie flat on the ground; this will make a bigger target. Keep away from all utility lines (phone, power, etc., metal
fences, trees, and hill tops).
e) Do not take shelter under trees as this conduct electricity.
f) Rubber-soled shoes and car tires do not offer protection from lightning.

SEOC-APSDMA Page | 24
 3. If Traveling
Response
a) Get off bicycles, motor-cycles
cycles or farm vehicles.
b) Get to a safe shelter.
c) If boating or swimming, get to land as quickly as possible and take shelter.
d) During a storm, remain in your vehicle until help arrives or the storm has passed. (The metal roof will provide protection, if
you are not touching metal inside; windows should be up; park away from trees and power lines. If there is a tornado
involved in a storm, evacuate the vehicle and seek shelter.

4. Treatment
a) IMPORTANT: If at all possible get any individual who is struck by lightning to a proper facility such as a hospital.
b) If possible, give basic first aid.
c) People struck by lightning carry no electrical charge and can be handled safely.
d) Check for broken bones, loss of hearing and eyesight.
e) A victim of lightning strike can suffer varying degrees of burning. Check the impact point and where the electricity left the
body.

Dos and Don’ts related to Thunderstorm, Lightning, Squall, Hailstorm and Dust Storm (NDMA)

5. If at Home or Work
Preparation
a) Look for darkening skies and increased wind.
b) If you hear thunder, then you are close enough to be struck by lightning.
c) Keep on monitoring local media for updates and warning instructions.
d) Stay indoors and avoid travel if possible.
e) Close windows and doors, and secure objects outside the home (eg. patio furniture, bins, etc.)
f) Ensure that children and animals are inside.
g) Unplug unnecessary electrical appliances (to isolate them from the main power supply which may conduct a powersurge
during a lightning storm)

SEOC-APSDMA Page | 25
 h) Remove rotten tea timber or any other debris that may cause a flying hazard

Response

c) Avoid taking a bath or shower or running water for any purpose. This is because lightning can travel along pipes. Keep
away from doors, windows, fire places, stoves, bath-tubs, or any other electrical charge conductors.
d) Avoid using corded phones and other electrical equipment (mobile or cordless phones are safe)

6. If on Foot
Response
a) Go to safe shelter immediately – avoid metal structures and or constructions with metal sheeting.
b) Ideally find shelter in a low lying area and make sure that the spot chosen is not likely to flood. Crouch down with feet
together and head down to make yourself a smaller target.
c) Hairs standing up on the back of your neck could indicate that a lightning is imminent.
d) Do not lie flat on the ground; this will make a bigger target. Keep away from all utility lines (phone, power, etc., metal
fences, trees, and hill tops).
e) Do not take shelter under trees as this conduct electricity.
f) Rubber-soled shoes and car tires do not offer protection from lightning.

SEOC-APSDMA Page | 26
 7. If Traveling
Response
a) Get off bicycles, motor-cycles
cycles or farm vehicles.
b) Get to a safe shelter.
c) If boating or swimming, get to land as quickly as possible and take shelter.
d) During a storm, remain in your vehicle until help arrives or the storm has passed. (The metal roof will provide protection, if
you are not touching metal inside; windows should be up; park away from trees and power lines. If there is a tornado
involved in a storm, evacuate the vehicle and seek shelter.

8. Treatment
a) IMPORTANT: If at all possible get any individual who is struck by lightning to a proper facility such as a hospital.
b) If possible, give basic first aid.
c) People struck by lightning carry no electrical charge and can be handled safely.
d) Check for broken bones, loss of hearing and eyesight.
e) A victim of lightning strike can suffer varying degrees of burning. Check the impact point and where the electricity left the
body.

SEOC-APSDMA Page | 27
 Reporting formats for Thunderstorm and Lightning incident reporting

SEOC-APSDMA Page | 28
SEOC-APSDMA Page | 29
SEOC-APSDMA Page | 30
SEOC-APSDMA Page | 31
AWARENESS PROGRAMS

Aiming on Self Awareness and self-protection, as it plays a key role in any situation, we have focused on that aspect also and has
initiated for rural Awareness programs.
Lightning awareness videos and posters are sent to the all Village level, Mandal level and District level Government officials and
stakeholders to conduct awareness programs at Gramasabha, Anganwadi, Village and panchayat level meetings and at all schools &
colleges from village level to district level. These videos are played at Cinema halls and Local TV channels Andhra Pradesh State
FiberNet Limited TV. Besides, posters are posted at prominent public places.

9. CONCLUSION

All the departments / agencies shall take necessary timely action to implement the Lightning action plan to mitigate the
adverse effects of Lightning/Thunderbolts. Lightning is a significant hazard to the population. Lightning-casualty statistics show an
alarming rise in the number of lightning casualties compared the past. This is primarily due to the increasing temperatures because of
the climate changes. However, APSDMA could significantly reduce the deaths due to lightning by following the guidelines issued by
NSDMA form time to time.
People are often under the direction of others, whether they are children or adults participating in awareness programs. They
needed education about the hazards of lightning and become familiar with proved lightning- safety strategies. The action plan is only
as good as its compliance and unwavering. Understand the 30–30 rule as a minimal determinant of when to suspend activities and
follow it.

SEOC-APSDMA Page | 32
 Ground level death reports in different locations

SEOC-APSDMA Page | 33
 Village level Awareness programs

SEOC-APSDMA Page | 34
 Do’s and Don’ts Poster’s

SEOC-APSDMA Page | 35