Across India, severe weather events, including heavy rain and lightning, have tragically claimed approximately 1,600 lives up to July this year, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Within this grim figure, the state of Uttarakhand has reported 71 fatalities. These fatalities underscore the devastating impact of natural calamities on communities throughout the nation.
The monsoon season in India, while vital for agriculture, frequently brings powerful storms and heavy rainfall, resulting in numerous deaths due to lightning strikes. In just one week, Bihar, an eastern Indian state, reported at least 33 deaths and dozens of injuries from lightning strikes. These incidents occurred amidst intense storms and monsoon rains that battered the state, primarily affecting agricultural workers caught outdoors. The Bihar state government has announced compensation of 4 million Indian rupees (about $4,600) for the families of those killed by lightning. The storms and lightning are expected to continue as monsoon rains are expected to continue for weeks in the region.
The India Meteorological Department has predicted continued rainfall in southern and northeastern Bihar. Statistics reveal that over 2,500 people in India are struck by lightning annually. In Bihar alone, lightning strikes caused 243 deaths in 2024 and 275 in 2023.
The MHA also provided data on the impact of heavy rainfall in other states. Andhra Pradesh reported 258 deaths due to rain-related incidents, while Himachal Pradesh recorded 171 deaths. In Himachal Pradesh, the heavy rains also led to the loss of 23,818 cattle and damage to 1,528 homes. Madhya Pradesh reported 325 cattle deaths and 986 homes lost due to the rains. Assam has experienced the maximum damage to cropland, with 29714.89 hectares affected.
In response to the widespread devastation, the central government has released financial aid of ₹9578.40 crore to 22 states under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) as of July 15, 2025. Additionally, an inter-ministerial central team (IMCT) has been formed for Himachal Pradesh to assess the damages caused by floods, cloudbursts, and landslides.
Experts suggest that climate change is contributing to increased lightning activity and more intense storms. Rising land and sea surface temperatures provide more heat energy, fueling these severe weather events. A typical lightning strike contains approximately 300 million volts of electricity, which can cause instant death or severe burn injuries.
In light of these dangers, state governments are urging residents to take necessary precautions, such as staying indoors during severe weather. Authorities in vulnerable districts have been directed to raise awareness about lightning safety measures.
