Hindustantimes wants to start sending you push notifications. Click allow to subscribe

Don’t use mobile if you want to avoid being hit by lightning, says Madhya Pradesh weather dept

Hindustan Times, Bhopal | By
Jun 28, 2018 12:40 PM IST

The Jabalpul, Rewa, Shahdol and Sagar regions of Madhya Pradesh may witness thundershowers over the next two days due to the onset of the monsoon. At least six people have been killed due to lightning strikes across the state in the last 24 hours.

With the threat of thunderstorms looming large, the Madhya Pradesh meteorological department has advised residents of four divisions in the state against using their mobile phones in the open until Friday to avoid being struck by lightning.

GD Mishra – a senior scientist with the state meteorological department – said the Jabalpur, Rewa, Shahdol and Sagar regions may witness thundershowers due to the onset of the monsoon. “We have issued a general warning to people on how to prevent being struck by lightning. People usually take shelter under trees during rains to make or receive calls on their mobile phones. This puts them at an increased risk of being struck,” he added.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

At least six people have been killed due to lightning strikes across the state in the last 24 hours.

Mishra also told people to avoid open areas and water bodies during the rains. “The chance of lightning strikes is higher in June-July,” he said.

Vivek Chhalotre, another scientist with the Met department, offered a different reason for shunning mobile phones during thunderstorms. “Mobile phones have electronic components and their functioning is based on electrical circuits. They also contain rechargeable batteries. Hence, if a person uses a cellphone in bad weather, there is a chance of lightning completing its circuit through the phone – with the caller bearing the brunt of the strike,” he said.

According to the disaster management institute, lightning strikes claim anywhere between 1,000 and 1,500 lives across Madhya Pradesh every year.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
OPEN APP