India Boosts Weather Forecasts But Lightning Deaths, Flash Flood Gaps Persist

India has made significant strides in weather forecasting, particularly in cyclone predictions and radar coverage, according to a new critical analysis. However, the report warns that lightning-related fatalities and flash flood warnings remain critical weak points, undermining the effectiveness of the early-warning system.

The analysis, which reviews the country’s forecasting capabilities, acknowledges improvements but stresses that public safety is still at risk due to these gaps. It specifically points to the need for ‘public checks’ in the government’s ambitious Mission Mausam program, which aims to modernize weather services.

Flash floods and lightning strikes continue to claim lives, with warnings often failing to reach vulnerable communities in time. The report calls for urgent attention to these shortcomings to ensure that technological advances translate into real-world protection.

As India faces increasing climate extremes, the findings underscore the importance of bridging the gap between forecasting improvements and on-ground warning delivery.

Article source: abclive.in | Image credit: Reuters