Climatological Analysis of Lightning Flash Density Over the South East Geopolitical Zone

Lightning is a significant natural hazard responsible for fatalities, infrastructure damage, and communication system disruptions across Nigeria, yet systematic studies of its spatial distribution remain limited for the South East geopolitical zone. This study presents a climatological analysis of ground lightning flash density over Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states using the NASA Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) dataset spanning 2018 to 2022, supplemented by ground truth fatality and structural damage records from state emergency management agencies. Spatial mapping of flash density using ArcGIS reveals a heterogeneous distribution, with elevated flash densities concentrated over elevated terrain in Ebonyi and Enugu states exceeding 15 flashes per square kilometre per year. Seasonal analysis confirms bimodal peaks in lightning activity corresponding to the double maxima of the South East rainy season in April-June and August-October. Cross-tabulation of high flash density zones with population density maps identifies several urban and peri-urban settlements in Owerri, Onitsha, and Abakaliki as locations of coincident high lightning hazard and exposure. Documentation of 73 lightning fatality incidents over the five-year period highlights the inadequacy of lightning protection awareness among the general public. Recommendations include development of a regional lightning warning system and mandatory lightning rod installation in schools, churches, and health facilities across the South East. Keywords: lightning, flash density, South East Nigeria, LIS, hazard.