Heavy rain predicted in Kerala for three days from Monday; Yellow Alert issued in several districts

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predcited the possibility of rain in Kerala over the next three days. A yellow alert has been issued in several districts. A yellow alert has been declared in Pathanamthitta, Idukki, and Palakkad on Monday; Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad on Tuesday; and Idukki, Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Kannur on Wednesday.

Isolated instances of heavy rainfall have been predicted. Heavy rain refers to rainfall of 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm within 24 hours.

Alert issued
Lightning is dangerous. It can cause serious damage to human and animal lives, electrical and communication networks, and household appliances connected to electrical conductors. Therefore, the public is advised to take the following precautions as soon as dark clouds begin to appear. Since lightning may not always be visible, these precautions should not be ignored.

As soon as the first signs of lightning are noticed, move immediately to a safe building. Staying in open areas increases the risk of being struck by lightning.

When strong winds and lightning are expected, keep doors and windows closed. Do not stand near doors or windows. Stay inside the building and try to avoid touching walls or floors as much as possible.

Disconnect electrical appliances from the power supply. Avoid being near electrical equipment during thunderstorms.

Avoid using landline telephones during lightning. Using mobile phones is safe.

If the sky is cloudy, avoid playing or spending time in open areas or on terraces, including children.

Do not stand under trees during thunderstorms. Do not park vehicles under trees either.

During lightning, remain inside your vehicle and do not extend your hands or feet outside. You are relatively safe inside a vehicle. Avoid travelling on bicycles, motorcycles, tractors, and similar vehicles during thunderstorms. Seek shelter in a safe building and remain there until the lightning has stopped.

When rain clouds appear, do not go to the terrace or courtyard to collect clothes while lightning is occurring.

Secure objects that could be blown away or knocked down by strong winds.

Avoid bathing during thunderstorms. Also avoid collecting water from taps, as electricity caused by lightning may travel through plumbing.

Do not enter water bodies to fish or bathe during thunderstorms. As soon as dark clouds begin to appear, stop activities such as fishing and boating and try to reach the nearest shore immediately. Do not stand on the deck of a boat during lightning. Stop activities such as casting fishing lines or throwing nets during thunderstorms.

Avoid flying kites.