Concerned over the rising number of deaths due to lightning in Odisha, the State Government is planning to develop a mobile application that can alert users if they are in a lightning zone.
Information on lightning would soon be available on smartphones to help people move to safer places and save their lives.
Speaking to mediapersons here on Wednesday, Special Relief Commissioner Bishnupada Sethi said, “Users of the app will receive alert at least one hour before lightning strikes in that particular area, thus helping them move to safer places.”
Besides, the State Government has decided to rope in the USA-based Earth Network to install lightning detection systems in the State. A meeting in this regard was recently held under chairmanship of Chief Secretary AP Padhi, informed the SRC.
Users not having smartphones or internet facilities can get the information through SMSs, he said.
“A total of 61 people have lost their lives due to lightning between April and May 22, 2018. As many as 459 people had died in the State during 2017-18,” the SRC added.