Chinese government helps expand Pakistan Lightning Monitoring Network

Islamabad: The Chinese government has collaborated in expanding the Pakistan Lightning Monitoring Network.

Director General of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Mahr Sahibzad Khan, at a news conference here, commended the Chinese government for its collaboration in expanding the Pakistan Lightning Monitoring Network.

The DG PMD emphasized the significance of monitoring lightning, a natural weather phenomenon with potential threats to life and property.

Highlighting the advanced lightning detection sensors that play a crucial role in public safety, early warnings, and risk reduction, DG PMD explained their capability to provide instant, real-time thunderstorm activities compared to conventional RADAR systems.

He acknowledged the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (IEE), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), for supporting the PMD in establishing a 3D lightning detection network. A successful test system, sent in July, was installed in PMD, Islamabad, with Chinese engineers’ consultation, transmitting real-time lightning data, including location, intensity, and spatial distribution, to a cloud server.

To further this cooperation, a Cooperation Agreement was signed on September 22, 2023, between PMD and the Institute of Electrical Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IEECAS). The agreement aims to enhance the lightning warning capability in Pakistan, ultimately minimizing casualties and property losses.

Under this agreement, 25 lightning detection systems, valued at approximately US$1 million, have been provided free of cost by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. These systems will be strategically placed across Pakistan, ensuring comprehensive lightning detection coverage.

DG PMD expressed gratitude to the Chinese Meteorological Agency (CMA) for their involvement in PMD’s capacity building and highlighted the Feng Yun 2H, a Chinese meteorological satellite, provided by the National Satellite Meteorological Centre (NSMC). This satellite equips PMD to monitor real-time atmospheric conditions, aiding in weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and disaster mitigation.

DG PMD thanked the Institute of Electrical Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Chinese government, and the National Satellite Meteorological Centre for their invaluable support in strengthening cooperation between Pakistan and China in environmental protection, climate change, and disaster management.