Rain to lash Kerala over next five days; yellow alert in nine districts

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

A yellow alert has been issued for nine districts today: Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur. Isolated heavy rainfall is likely in these districts.

The IMD classifies rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm in a 24-hour period as heavy rainfall.

Yellow alert schedule

• October 20: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam.
• October 21: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram.
• October 22: Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur.
• October 23: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam and Thrissur.

The IMD has also forecast isolated thunderstorms accompanied by winds reaching 30–40 kmph in Kerala today and on October 20. From October 21 to 23, thunderstorms accompanied by winds reaching 40–50 kmph are likely in isolated areas.

Lightning safety precautions

Lightning can endanger human and animal life and damage power and communication networks, as well as electrical appliances connected to the power supply. The public should begin taking precautions as soon as dark clouds appear. Since lightning may not always be visible, these safety measures should not be neglected.

• Seek shelter immediately: At the first sign of lightning, move indoors to a safe building. Staying in open areas increases the risk of being struck.
• Keep doors and windows closed: During thunderstorms and strong winds, stay away from doors and windows. Remain indoors and, as far as possible, avoid contact with walls and floors.
• Disconnect electrical appliances: Unplug household electrical equipment and avoid contact with electrical appliances during thunderstorms.
• Avoid landline telephones: Do not use landline telephones during lightning. Mobile phones may be used.
• Keep children indoors: Avoid playing in open areas or on terraces when the sky is overcast.
• Stay away from trees: Do not shelter under trees during lightning. Avoid parking vehicles beneath them.
• Take shelter during travel: If already inside a vehicle, remain inside with your hands and feet within the vehicle. Avoid travelling by bicycle, motorcycle or tractor during lightning. Seek shelter in a safe building until the lightning subsides.
• Do not go outside to collect clothes: Avoid going to the terrace or courtyard to bring in clothes during lightning.
• Secure loose objects: Fasten objects that could be blown away or toppled by strong winds.