Lightning strikes can kill: know how to save yourself

It’s pouring in Bengaluru. Here’s what you should do if you are caught in a thunderstorm

The thunderstorm on Sunday left Bengaluru reeling. A little over 400 people have lost their lives in Karnataka to lightning strikes in four years, and it is important to know what to do to protect ourselves.

Jayanth Vyasanakere, assistant professor, physics, Azim Premji University, says it is better to stay indoors during a thunderstorm. The probability of getting struck by lightning is higher outdoors.

“These are very powerful energy sources. Once hit, it is difficult to survive. Having said that, if you are outdoors, avoid open places, hills and tall trees. Being in a car is better as it has a metallic body. Close all windows and don’t touch any metallic surface. That way, if lightning strikes the car, it will go along the surface of the car and discharge from the tyres,” he says.

Though such a strike can produce a lot of heat, one is at risk of being burnt but not electrocuted. He also says water bodies are best avoided.

It is safe to touch victims of lighting strikes. They don’t carry any electrical charge, he says.

Phone use risks

If the mobile phone is in your hand, you are not at any heightened risk.

“Lightning is usually many metres wide, so just holding a device is not an issue. The problem is with holding devices that are wired or are being charged,” he says.

Special care needs to be taken by motorists riding in the rain. It is better to take shelter and wait for the rain to subside than continue riding.

“Find a closed shelter, a bus stop doesn’t really help. Get inside a hotel or a mall and wait for the thunder and lightning to subside. Today, everyone has access to the weather forecast, and it is advisable to check it out before planning your day,” adds Jayanth.

For pet owners

The hearing capacity of a dog is twice that of a human, so, naturally, lightning and thunder are worse for them.

Dr Pawan Kumar, veterinary surgeon, Cessna Lifeline Veterinary Hospital, Domlur, says pets become sensitive to sound even with a small change in their usual environment. But they can be trained to face such situations.

“When a pet is scared, take it to a secluded room. Cats go inside wooden cupboards or beds. You can also play soothing dog music. Avoid taking them for walks till the weather is clear. Covering their ears with mufflers can help too,” he says.

After pets are exposed to such an environment a couple of times, they tend to adjust themselves.

They sniff and explore the house to check if everything is back to normal. It usually takes them three to four hours to calm down.

“Don’t take away the fear, let the fear be there and let them get used to it,” says Dr Kumar.

What experts say

Avoid going up hills, standing under trees.

If inside car, stay there. Don’t touch metal surfaces.

It’s okay to touch lightning strike victims.

Train pets to deal with their fear.

Cover dogs’ ears with mufflers, play soft music.

Two-wheeler riders take shelter in big buildings.

Heavy rain prediction

“Light and moderate rain is predicted till May 30 with light thunderstorms. Thunderstorms and showers are predicted for May 31 and June 1 in Bengaluru and parts of southern Karnataka,” says Raja Ramesh, Duty officer.

Hello Bescom. Where are you?

Evenings in Bengaluru have turned into light-and-sound shows of late, with lightning and thunderstorms being so common.

Power goes off frequently, and Bescom becomes incommunicado.

Metrolife checked Bescom’s responsiveness and found them lacking.

Reporters living in Indiranagar, Maruthiseva Nagar and Malleswaram made repeated efforts to reach Bescom over the past two weeks, especially on May 22, 25 and 26, when heavy rain pounded the city and power supply was disrupted. In some cases, electricity was restored only after 12 hours. No one picked up our calls.

Citizens have similar stories. “I tried reaching them three times a week ago, when the power in our area was not restored for a long time. No one picked up the calls,” says Damodar Varma, an MNC professional.

Power cuts in Malleshpalaya, where he lives, last at least three hours, he complained.
However, Bescom is more responsive on Facebook. When a Metrolife staffer contacted them on Tuesday, they replied within a few minutes.

(Rajitha Menon and Malini Raghu)