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KATHMANDU: Lightning incidents have caused significant loss of life and property in Nepal over the past 12 years, according to the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Senior hydrologist Rajendra Sharma of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) said that a total of 3,386 lightning incidents were recorded across the country between mid-April April 2014 and mid-March 2026. These incidents claimed 1,073 lives—460 men, 303 women, and 312 unidentified victims.
A total of 3,408 people—1,317 men and 1,633 women—were injured in lightning-related incidents. Similarly, 4,294 families were affected, 104 houses were destroyed, and 390 suffered partial damage, according to data compiled by NEOC.
In the agriculture and livestock sector, 114 sheds were damaged, and 4,849 livestock were lost. The estimated economic loss from lightning incidents stands at Rs 118.2 million, Sharma said.
District-wise, Makwanpur recorded the highest number of lightning incidents, at 182, during the review period. Jhapa recorded 113 incidents, followed by Udayapur (104), Dailekh (105), and Morang (95).
In terms of fatalities, Makwanpur reported the highest death toll, followed by Morang with 42 deaths and Udayapur with 39.
The impact of lightning has also been significant in the eastern hill districts. Khotang recorded 92 incidents, Sankhuwasabha 86, and Okhaldhunga 76, indicating a persistent risk of lightning in these areas. In Madhesh Province, dozens of deaths were reported in districts such as Saptari, Siraha, Dhanusha, and Parsa, according to the center.
In western Nepal, Rolpa recorded 91 incidents, Gulmi 72, Pyuthan 72, and Achham 73. Jhapa suffered the highest economic loss of around Rs 10.7 million, with Khotang, Udayapur, and Sankhuwasabha also reporting significant damage.
Data analysis shows that lightning strikes cause an average of 67 deaths annually in Nepal.
(Translated from RSS)
