Don’t go out without an umbrella; warning of rain in six districts  

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of rain in various districts of the state. The IMD has informed that there is a possibility of light rain at isolated places in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Idukki of Kerala in the next three hours.

Meantime, as informed by the IMD yesterday, there is yellow alert in three districts today. The alert is in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha. The possibility of isolated heavy rain is predicted in these places. Heavy rain is defined as a situation where 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm of rain is received in 24 hours. There is a possibility of rain with thunder in Kerala today.

Alert issued
Thunderstorms are dangerous. They cause great damage to human and animal lives, electrical communication networks and household appliances connected to electrical conductors. Therefore, the public should take the following precautions from the time they start seeing the storm clouds. Lightning is not always visible, so do not neglect to take these precautions.

Move to a safe building as soon as you see the first sign of lightning. Staying in open areas increases the risk of being struck by lightning.

Keep windows and doors closed during periods of strong winds and lightning. Stay away from doors and windows. Stay inside the building and try to avoid touching walls or floors as much as possible.

Unplug household appliances. Avoid being near electrical appliances during a thunderstorm.

Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm. It is safe to use a mobile phone.

If the weather is cloudy, avoid playing outdoors and on terraces, including with children.

Do not stand under trees during a thunderstorm. Do not park vehicles under trees.

Stay inside your vehicle during a thunderstorm. Do not put your hands and feet outside. You will be safe inside the vehicle. Avoid riding a bicycle, bike, or tractor during a thunderstorm and seek shelter in a safe building until the thunderstorm ends.

When you see a rainstorm, do not go to the terrace or yard to get clothes during a thunderstorm.

Tie down objects that may fall in the wind.

Avoid bathing during a thunderstorm. Avoid collecting water from taps. Electricity from lightning can travel through pipes.

Do not go fishing or bathing in water during a thunderstorm. As soon as you see the clouds, stop fishing and boating and try to reach the nearest shore immediately. Do not stand on the deck of the boat during a thunderstorm. Baiting and casting nets should be stopped during a thunderstorm.