Rain in three districts in coming hours; alert issued

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has informed that there is a possibility of moderate rain at isolated places in three districts in the coming hours. In the next three hours, there is a possibility of moderate rain at isolated places in Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha and strong winds with a speed of up to 30 km per hour. The IMD has informed that light rain is also possible at isolated places in Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Kannur and Kasaragod.

Warning of thunderstorms
The IMD has informed that there is a possibility of rain with thunder and lightning at isolated places in Kerala today. Thunderstorms are dangerous. They cause great damage to human and animal life, electrical and communication networks and appliances connected to electrical conductors. Therefore, the general public should take the following precautions from the time the cloud starts to be seen. Do not hesitate to take this precaution as lightning may not always be visible.

1. Move indoors at the first sign of lightning. Staying in open areas increases the chance of being struck by lightning.

2. Keep windows and doors closed during high winds and thunderstorms. Stay away from doors and windows. Stay inside the building and try not to touch the wall or floor as much as possible.

3. Unplug household appliances. Avoid proximity to electrical appliances during thunderstorms.

4. Avoid using the telephone during thunderstorms. It is okay to use a mobile phone.

5. Avoid playing outdoors and on terraces, including children, if the weather is cloudy.

6. Do not stand under trees during thunderstorms. Do not park vehicles under trees.

7. Stay inside a vehicle during a thunderstorm. Don't stick your legs out. You will be safe inside the vehicle. Avoid traveling on vehicles like bicycles, bikes, tractors during thunderstorms and seek shelter in a safe building until the thunderstorm ends.

8. Do not go to the terrace or yard during thunderstorms to collect cloths in case of rain.

9. Tie down items that are likely to fall over in the wind.

10. Avoid bathing during thunderstorms. Also avoid collecting water from taps. Electricity from lightning may travel through the pipe.

11. Do not go down to fish or bathe in the water during lightning. As soon as you see clouds, you should stop fishing and boating and try to reach the nearest shore immediately. Do not stand on the deck of a boat during a thunderstorm. Baiting and netting should be suspended during thunderstorms.

12. Avoid kite flying.

13. It is dangerous to sit on a terrace or other high place or on a tree branch during a thunderstorm.

14. Domestic animals should not be tethered in the open during this time. Do not go when there is a rain cloud to untie them and tie them back securely. This may cause you to experience lightning strikes.

15. If you are in an open place so that you cannot move to a nearby building, keep your feet together and keep your head and legs between your knees and roll up like a ball.
16. Lightning protection conduit can be placed on top of buildings to protect them from lightning. A surge protector can be fitted for the safety of electrical equipment.