Fact Check: Do Palm Trees Attract Lightning to Protect Humans? Here's the Truth Behind the Viral Claim

At least 162 people were killed by lightning strikes across 12 Indian states between March and April 17, 2025 — a 184% increase from the 57 fatalities reported during the same period in 2024. Bihar was the worst-hit, recording 99 deaths — nearly 61% of the national total. According to the state’s disaster management authorities, 98 of these deaths occurred within just six days, from April 9 to 14.

This makes April 2025 the deadliest month for lightning in Bihar since 2017. Previous highs include 25 deaths in April 2020, 24 in 2018, and 12 in 2019. Notably, Bihar recorded no lightning-related fatalities during March and April in both 2023 and 2024.

Amid this surge in deaths, a video circulating on social media shows a lightning strike hitting a palm tree, which bursts into flames shortly after. The video has led to claims that palm trees attract lightning and are responsible for human deaths.

Fact Check:

The claim is misleading. Palm trees are often struck due to their height but do not "call" lightning or act with intent. In some cases, they may absorb lightning strikes and reduce danger to nearby people.

A senior forest official has rejected claims circulating on social media that palm trees attract lightning and are responsible for human deaths. Speaking on the matter, the official said such beliefs are baseless and not supported by science.

According to him, palm trees actually help reduce the impact of lightning strikes. This natural ability has caught the attention of scientists and environmental experts. In regions where thunderstorms are common — such as tropical and subtropical areas — palm trees can play a helpful role.

The official pointed out that the state of Odisha has recognized the benefits of palm trees in reducing lightning-related deaths. The state has even taken steps to plant more palm trees in areas at high risk.

One of the key reasons palm trees are effective is their high moisture content. Their trunks contain water and sap, which help absorb and safely pass the electric charge from lightning into the ground. This reduces the chance of severe damage or fire.

The official emphasized that instead of blaming palm trees, people should understand their protective role and promote their planting in vulnerable regions.

During the search we found, a news report by Odisha Reporter states that strong action will be taken against those who cut down palm trees without permission. The Forest Department cannot remove palm trees, even from its own land, without prior approval. PCCF Devidutta Vishwas has imposed a ban on palm tree cutting as part of efforts to prevent lightning-related deaths in the state.

On 8th September 2023, the State Relief Commission of Odisha held an inter-departmental meeting to plan disaster-resilient projects under the Disaster Mitigation Fund. The Forest Department of Odisha and the Department of Agriculture were asked to undertake large-scale palm tree plantations in reserve forest areas and other vulnerable districts as a lightning mitigation measure, as mentioned in the official post.

Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, the Minister of Forest and Environment, Odisha, informed that the government is committed to preventing lightning-related deaths. The Forest and Environment Department has already taken steps to plant more palm trees. Last year’s plantation target was successfully achieved, with 2 million trees planted. This year, the department has planned to plant palm trees worth ₹5 to ₹6 crore.

Hence, we found the claim to be misleading. Palm trees are often struck by lightning due to their height but do not "call" lightning or act with intent. In some cases, they may absorb lightning strikes and help reduce the risk to nearby people.