Rain alert in Kerala: Yellow alert in 4 districts, strong waves expected

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rain in Kerala over the next five days, with yellow alerts issued for several districts.

A yellow alert has been issued for Pathanamthitta and Idukki on September 30, and for Kottayam, Ernakulam and Idukki on October 1. Isolated heavy rainfall is likely in the state. Heavy rain refers to rainfall measuring between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm in 24 hours. The IMD has also forecast thunderstorms accompanied by rain and strong winds with speeds of 30-40 kmph at isolated places in Kerala from September 29 to October 1.

The National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has issued a red alert along all coastal districts of Kerala. Strong waves and the possibility of a swell, known as the Kallakkadal phenomenon, are expected along the Kerala coast.

Safety precautions

Thunderstorms can be dangerous and may cause serious damage to human and animal life, electricity and communication networks, and household appliances connected to electrical conductors. The public should take the following precautions as soon as dark clouds begin to appear. Since lightning may not always be visible, people should not refrain from taking these precautions.

• Move indoors to a safe building immediately at the first sign of lightning. Staying in open areas increases the risk of being struck by lightning.
• When strong winds and thunderstorms are expected, keep doors and windows closed. Do not stand near doors or windows. Stay inside the building and, as far as possible, avoid contact with walls or floors.
• Disconnect electrical appliances from the power supply. Avoid being near electrical equipment during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using telephones during thunderstorms. Mobile phones can be used.
• When the sky is cloudy, avoid playing in open areas and on terraces, including by children.
• Do not stand under trees during thunderstorms. Vehicles should also not be parked under trees.
• Remain inside a vehicle during a thunderstorm and do not keep your hands or feet outside. It is safe to remain inside the vehicle. Travel on bicycles, motorcycles, tractors and similar vehicles should be avoided during thunderstorms, and people should seek shelter in a safe building until the thunderstorm has passed.
• Do not go to the terrace or courtyard to collect clothes when rain clouds appear or during a thunderstorm.
• Secure objects that could be blown over by strong winds.
• Avoid bathing during thunderstorms. Do not collect water from taps, as lightning-related electrical current may travel through pipes.
• Do not enter water bodies to fish or bathe during thunderstorms. As soon as dark clouds begin to appear, stop fishing, boating and similar activities and try to reach the nearest shore immediately. Do not stand on the deck of a boat during a thunderstorm. Stop using fishing rods and casting nets during thunderstorms.
• Avoid flying kites.