Kerala’s lightning hotspot revealed; this district needs to stay alert

PATHANAMTHITTA: Pathanamthitta is among Kerala’s lightning-prone districts, with the northeast monsoon bringing renewed concern over thunderstorms, injuries and damage to property in the state’s eastern highlands.

Two residents sustained serious injuries in lightning strikes this month in the Kulathumon, Kokkathodu and Kadupathodu areas of Aruvappulam panchayat in eastern Pathanamthitta. Lightning strikes in other parts of the district have also caused injuries to people and domestic animals and damaged several houses and institutions.

A 2025 study by researchers at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) identified Kottayam as a prominent lightning hotspot, with Pathanamthitta, Idukki and Ernakulam also particularly vulnerable. The findings highlight the risk faced by districts along the Western Ghats, especially during periods of thunderstorm activity.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 30–40 kmph at isolated places in Kerala from October 24 to 27. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has urged residents to take precautions from the first signs of thunderstorm activity.

Why is lightning a concern in Pathanamthitta?

The terrain of the Western Ghats and seasonal changes in atmospheric conditions contribute to the development of cumulonimbus clouds, which can produce intense thunderstorms, lightning and strong wind gusts.

CUSAT researchers have identified parts of central and southern Kerala, particularly areas near the Western Ghats, as vulnerable to lightning. A 2021 study also found that El Niño conditions can influence lightning activity in the southern peninsular region. However, El Niño alone cannot be identified as the cause of the current incidents without specific meteorological evidence.

Lightning safety: Precautions to follow

Residents should move indoors at the first sign of a thunderstorm and avoid remaining in exposed locations.

• Seek shelter inside a substantial, enclosed building or a hard-topped vehicle.
• Avoid open fields, hilltops, rooftops and other exposed places.
• Never shelter beneath isolated trees during a thunderstorm.
• Keep away from electrical appliances, wiring and metal objects.
• Avoid bathing, drawing water from wells and using plumbing during lightning activity.
• Stay away from windows and doors during thunderstorms.
• Do not leave domestic animals tethered in open fields during threatening weather.
• Follow official weather alerts and disaster-management instructions.

What to do if someone is struck by lightning

• A person struck by lightning does not retain an electrical charge, so it is safe to touch them and provide first aid.
• Call emergency medical services immediately. Check whether the person is responsive and breathing normally. If they are unresponsive and not breathing normally, begin CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED), if available, following emergency guidance.
• The victim should receive urgent medical attention even if they appear to have recovered, as lightning can cause serious internal injuries and cardiac complications.
• Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant during thunderstorms and take steps to protect both people and domestic animals.