Lightning, generating millions of volts and amperes, occurs when clouds and wind produce electric currents surpassing those found on the ground. The positive and negative charges on earth attract lightning, making it a powerful and potentially destructive force.
In order to accurately predict lightning and minimise losses in such natural events, six lightning detectors are set to be installed in various districts of Sindh. These detectors, gifted by the government of Peoples Republic of China, are expected to enhance the monitoring and prediction of lightning incidents, particularly during rain with thunderstorms.
The equipment worth over Rs280 million includes both short and long-range detectors. In Karachi, the long-range detector will cover the coastline and sea, providing valuable insights into lightning incidents originating from the seaside. This technological upgrade allows for the estimation of lightning intensity in the upper atmosphere during thunderstorms.
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Under the project, a total of 25 lightning detectors will be strategically placed across the country. The data collected from these detectors will be crucial for forecasting and managing abnormal weather conditions, especially in areas prone to lightning strikes.
Irfan Virk, Deputy Director of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), highlighted the significance of the radio frequency Very Low Frequency (VLF) technology embedded in these devices which have been manufactured by the Institute of Electrical Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Sardar Sarfraz, PMD's Chief Meteorologist in Karachi, said that these detectors will be installed gradually in other cities nationwide. Once implemented, this advanced technology will enable early notifications of natural disasters, covering the Thar desert in Sindh and the entire country.
Each lightning detector has the capability to provide advance notice of lightning strikes in a 100 square kilometres area, he said, adding that this improvement in forecasting will not only identify lightning risk areas but also allow for public awareness through local radio and social media platforms.
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Tharparkar, a desert region of Sindh, has experienced a surge in lightning incidents over the years, resulting in fatalities and livestock losses. The new detectors aim to mitigate such risks by providing real-time information on lightning flashes in the clouds.
Experts and officials underline the importance of lightning protection, especially in the context of climate change. The global rise in environmental pollution contributes to temperature fluctuations, leading to increased instances of heavy rains in dry areas and droughts in rainy regions.
They said that the installation of lightning detectors aligns with global practices, where developed countries prioritise lightning protection on crucial infrastructure and in industries such as shipping and aviation.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 24th, 2023.
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