Heavy rain relentless in Kerala: Red alert issued for five northern districts tomorrow

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As torrential rains continue to lash Kerala, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded a red alert for five northern districts tomorrow, warning of extremely heavy rainfall. The red alert has been issued for Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod.

Additionally, an orange alert has been placed for Palakkad, Thrissur, Idukki, Ernakulam, Kottayam, and Pathanamthitta districts. The remaining southern districts—Alappuzha, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram—will remain under a yellow alert tomorrow.

According to the weather bureau, widespread rainfall is expected to persist into Sunday as well. On Sunday, a red alert will remain in place for Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Malappuram districts. Kannur, Kasaragod, Palakkad, and Thrissur will be under an orange alert, while a yellow alert has been issued for all other districts.

Safety advisory and precautionary measures

Lightning poses a severe threat to human and animal lives, as well as to power grids, communication networks, and electrical appliances. Disaster management authorities have urged the public to exercise extreme caution. Safety measures must be followed as soon as overcast conditions develop, as lightning is not always visible beforehand.

The authorities have issued the following guidelines for public safety:

• Seek Immediate Shelter: Move indoors into a safe building at the first sign of lightning. Staying in open areas significantly increases the risk of being struck.
• Secure Doors and Windows: Close all windows and doors during heavy winds and lightning. Avoid standing near openings, stay central within the room, and try to avoid direct contact with walls and floors.
• Unplug Appliances: Disconnect all household electrical appliances and avoid handling them during a thunderstorm.
• Communication Devices: Avoid using landline telephones during lightning. However, using mobile phones is considered safe.
• Keep Children Indoors: Do not allow children or adults to play or gather in open spaces or on rooftops if the sky is overcast.
• Avoid Trees: Never stand under trees during a storm, and refrain from parking vehicles underneath them.
• Vehicle Safety: If you are traveling in a car or a closed vehicle, remain inside and keep your limbs within the vehicle, as it offers safe protection. However, those riding bicycles, motorcycles, or tractors should immediately suspend their journey and seek shelter in a secure building.
• Household Chores: Do not rush to the terrace or courtyard to collect drying clothes when clouds gather. Secure any loose objects outside that could be blown away by strong winds.
• Water Usage Precautions: Avoid bathing or collecting water from taps during a thunderstorm, as lightning currents can travel through plumbing systems.
• Water Bodies and Fishing: Strictly avoid fishing, swimming, or bathing in water bodies during a storm. If you are out boating or fishing when clouds gather, suspend all activities immediately—including casting nets or fishing rods—and return to the nearest shore. Do not stand on the deck of a boat during lightning.
• Recreation: Refrain from flying kites until the weather clears.