Over 70 people have lost their lives in recent days as lightning strikes continue in northern India, during the monsoon rainy season.
On the 29th (local time), Indian media and Associated Press reported that 49 people and 26 people were killed in lightning accidents in northern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar provinces in recent days, respectively.
In Bihar province, nearly 40 people were killed by lightning last month.
As the number of lightning victims increased, the state took emergency response, including announcing new guidelines for handling thunderstorms.
In India, many people lose their lives in lightning accidents every year, especially in rural areas.
According to statistics from the Indian Lightning Prevention Movement, 750 people have died in lightning accidents in India since April.
According to other authorities, 1,771 people were struck by lightning in India between 2019 and 2020 alone.
In response, experts pointed out that global warming is affecting the frequency of lightning accidents.
For every 1 degree Celsius rise, the number of lightning strikes increases 12 times, and deforestation, water depletion and air pollution all lead to climate change and more frequent lightning strikes.
Reporter Lee Bo-bae, Hankyung.com [email protected]