KSNDMC to set up lightning sensors

The Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) is to set up lightning sensors, which will be detecting thunderstorms and predicting lightning strikes within a 100-sq km radius. The information can also be accessed by any one on a mobile phone by downloading an app.

This sensor will predict accurate information about where and when lightning will strike. KSNDMC had tied up with an Andhra Pradesh based application developer to import 10 sensors from the U.S based Earth Network System.

According to KSNDMC, Earth Network System company will analyse the electromagnetic waves and spot the exact location the lightning will hit. The inputs received from the sensors will be sent to the app, which alerts people about impending lightning strikes.

Speaking to DH, G.S. Srinivasa Reddy, Director, KSNDMC said “the app will be used to monitor and alert against the possible lightning strike. In order to save the lives of the people, we will come up with the app. We are about to survey the location where to set up the sensor, this will also be done by the US-based company. The overall project will cost Rs 50 lakh and will take another four months to launch.”

“Already Andhra Pradesh has adopted this system, The lightning tracker app will alert users in the particular region where it is to strike 30 minutes before it does. It will cover most parts of the Karnataka,” he added.