Warning for night commuters: Rain and thunderstorms likely in Kerala today, alert issued

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted rain in Kerala over the next five days. Isolated places in the state are likely to receive rain accompanied by thunderstorms today (October 28, 2026). Fishing has been permitted along the Kerala, Karnataka and Lakshadweep coasts today.

Safety Precautions
Lightning is dangerous and can cause serious harm to human and animal lives, power and communication networks, and electrical appliances connected to power lines. 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.
Seek shelter immediately: Move into a safe building at the first sign of lightning. 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 avoid touching walls or floors as much as possible.

Disconnect electrical appliances: Unplug household electrical equipment and avoid contact with electrical appliances during lightning.

Avoid using landline telephones: Do not use telephones during thunderstorms. Mobile phone use is considered safe.

Keep children indoors. Avoid playing in open spaces or on terraces when the sky is overcast.

Stay away from trees. Do not stand under trees during lightning or park vehicles beneath them.

Remain inside vehicles: If caught in a thunderstorm, stay inside your vehicle and keep your hands and feet inside. Avoid travelling on bicycles, motorcycles and tractors during lightning. Seek shelter in a safe building until the lightning stops.

Do not go outside to collect laundry. Avoid going to terraces or yards to bring in clothes during thunderstorms.

Tie down objects that could be blown away or toppled by strong winds.

Avoid bathing at the time of lightning. Do not bathe or collect water from taps during thunderstorms, as lightning-related electrical currents may travel through plumbing pipes.

Stay away from water bodies: Do not fish or bathe in water bodies during lightning. Stop fishing, boating and similar activities as soon as dark clouds appear and head towards the nearest shore. Do not stand on a boat's deck, cast fishing lines or throw nets during thunderstorms.

Avoid flying kites. Refrain from flying kites during thunderstorms.