Pakistan has initiated the installation of cutting-edge equipment across various regions to mark the locations of lightning occurrences for the first time in the country. Approximately 25 lightning detectors are being installed in cities, including Lahore.
According to experts, these devices not only provide advanced information about lightning but also offer insights into wind speed, rainfall, and potential floods. Although the system's capabilities are somewhat limited, it is deemed a significant improvement.
The lightning detectors, a gift from China to Pakistan, are valued at $100,000. Meteorological Department Director-General Mehr Sahibzada Khan revealed that these detectors, installed on high towers, will cover the entire country. Lahore's Allama Iqbal International Airport is among the locations where these devices are being deployed.
Pakistan witnesses numerous fatalities annually due to lightning strikes, with Tharparkar reporting the highest incidents. The new equipment is expected to aid in the timely detection of natural disasters related to weather changes.
The Meteorological Department plans to disseminate lightning predictions to every region and city in Pakistan after the installation, marking a significant enhancement in the country's weather forecasting capabilities.