Lightning panic hits Ernakulam as Northeast Monsoon sets in

Climate experts have identified Kottayam, Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts along with the hilly areas of Ernakulam as post-monsoon lightning flashpoints. | Photo credit: FILE PHOTO

Lightning strike panic gripped several parts of the district with the onset of the North East Monsoon (Thulavarsham). The extensive damage caused by a series of lightning strikes in the eastern parts of the district ahead of the rainy season served as a warning of their increasing intensity, according to experts and authorities.

Ten houses were damaged in Palayikkunnu in Vengola grama panchayat of Perumbavoor and a girl suffered burns in a lightning strike earlier this month. The minaret of the Juma Masjid in Karumalloor was also damaged. Part of the ground caved in when lightning struck the Vengola area.

Strengthen preventive measures

“There have been isolated lightning strikes in the area in the past as well. But the severity of the latest incident has created panic among the people. It has highlighted the need to strengthen precautionary measures at the local level,” said Basil Kuriakose, member of the Palayikkunnu ward.

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

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

He said lightning may not strike the same areas where it rains, making forecasting and mitigation more difficult.

Raising awareness

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

“On Tuesday (October 13, 2026), we organized a training for people at Kuttampuzha near Kothamangalam in connection with the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction. The seminar focused on people who work outdoors, including beneficiaries of the Employment Guarantee Scheme. Another session will be held later,” said a DDMA official.

Sources from the district emergency operations centers said that the district has not recorded any death due to lightning so far this year.

Published – 17 October 2026 07:00 IST