Panic over lightning strikes Ernakulam as northeast monsoon sets in

Panic over lightning strikes has gripped several parts of the district with the onset of the northeast monsoon (Thulavarsham). The widespread damage caused by a series of lightning strikes in the eastern parts of the district ahead of the rainy season has served as a warning of their increasing intensity, according to experts and authorities.

Ten houses were damaged at Palayikkunnu in Vengola grama panchayat in Perumbavoor, and a girl suffered burn injuries in lightning strikes earlier this month. The minaret of a Juma Masjid at Karumalloor was also damaged. A portion of land caved in when lightning struck the Vengola region.

Strengthen precautionary measures

“Isolated lightning strikes have occurred in the area in the past too. However, the gravity of the latest incident has triggered panic among the people. It has highlighted the need for strengthening precautionary measures at the local level,” Basil Kuriakose, ward member of Palayikkunnu, said.

Climate experts pointed out that regions covering Kottayam, Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts, as well as the hilly areas of Ernakulam, have remained hotspots for post-monsoon lightning.

“Studies have shown that the occurrence and intensity of lightning have been increasing over the years. This calls for strengthening lightning protection infrastructure at all levels,” said S. Abhilash, Director of the Advanced Centre for Atmospheric Radar Research at the Cochin University of Science and Technology.

He said lightning need not strike the same areas where it rains, making prediction and mitigation challenging.

Awareness drive

The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) said it would organise more awareness drives to ensure public safety amid the growing challenges posed by climate change.

“We organised a training session for people in Kuttampuzha near Kothamangalam on Tuesday (October 13, 2026) in connection with the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction. The session focused on people engaged in outdoor work, including beneficiaries of the employment guarantee scheme. More sessions will be conducted later,” a DDMA official said.

Sources at the District Emergency Operation Centres said the district had not recorded any deaths due to lightning so far this year.