Lightning Disaster Branch of China Disaster Prevention Association

The inaugural ceremony of the Lightning Disaster Branch under the China Disaster Prevention Association (CDPA) was held in Beijing on May 12. The establishment of this branch marks a new phase in China's professional and systematic approach to lightning disaster prevention, aiming to consolidate industry resources, advance scientific research, promote technological applications, and enhance public awareness to strengthen the national disaster prevention and mitigation system. 

Lightning disasters pose a significant threat to China's economy and public safety. Statistics show that lightning strikes cause billions of yuan in direct economic losses annually, including casualties, infrastructure damage, and electronic equipment failures. The Lightning Disaster Branch will bring together experts from meteorology, power, construction, telecommunications, and other fields to improve lightning monitoring and early warning technologies, establish industry protection standards, and enhance nationwide disaster response capabilities. A representative from the CDPA stated that the branch will focus on lightning risk assessment, protective technology promotion, emergency management training, and inter-departmental collaboration to build a comprehensive prevention mechanism led by the government, supported by technology, and involving the whole society. 

The branch’s inaugural members include meteorological agencies, universities, power companies, and tech firms. Upcoming initiatives include a national lightning disaster survey and the first Lightning Protection Technology Forum later this year to foster industry collaboration.