Rain with thunderstorms likely; people in these five districts alerted

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted the possibility of rain in Kerala over the next five days. Yellow alerts have been issued in several districts. Yellow alert has been issued in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki and Malappuram today. Yellow alert has been sounded in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad tomorrow and on October 10 in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Idukki.

Isolated instances of heavy rainfall are expected. Heavy rainfall refers to rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm within a 24-hour period. The IMD has said that isolated places in Kerala are likely to receive thunderstorms accompanied by rain and strong winds of up to 40–50 kmph on October 9 and 10. Thunderstorms accompanied by rain and strong winds of 30-40 kmph are also likely on October 8 and 11.

Alert issued
Lightning can be dangerous. It can cause serious damage to human and animal life, electricity and communication networks, and household appliances connected to electrical conductors. Therefore, 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 ignore these safety measures.

As soon as you notice the first signs of lightning, move immediately to a safe building. Remaining 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. Remain inside the building and, as far as possible, avoid touching the walls or floor.

Disconnect household electrical appliances from the power supply. Avoid being near electrical appliances during lightning.

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

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

Do not stand under trees during lightning. Vehicles should also not be parked under trees.

Remain inside your vehicle during lightning and do not keep your hands or feet outside. You will be relatively safe inside the vehicle. Avoid travelling on bicycles, motorcycles, tractors and similar vehicles during lightning. Take shelter in a safe building until the lightning subsides.

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

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

Avoid bathing during lightning. Do not collect water from taps either, as lightning-related electrical current may travel through plumbing.

Do not enter water bodies to fish or bathe during lightning. 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 angling and casting nets during lightning.

Avoid flying kites.