Rain likely for next five days; yellow alert issued in five districts

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said that Kerala is likely to receive rainfall for the next five days. A yellow alert has been issued in several districts. Today, a yellow alert is in place for Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Idukki districts. The forecast is for isolated heavy rainfall in these areas. Heavy rainfall refers to rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm within 24 hours. There is also a chance of thunderstorms in isolated places today, along with strong winds blowing at speeds of 40 to 50 km per hour.

Alert issued
Lightning is dangerous. It can cause great damage to human and animal lives, electrical and communication networks, and household appliances connected to electrical conductors. Therefore, the public should take the following precautions from the moment they first see the thunderstorm. Since lightning may not always be visible, do not refrain from taking such precautions.

• Move to a safe building after seeing the first sign of lightning. Remaining in open areas increases the risk of being struck by lightning.
• Keep windows and doors closed during times of strong winds and thunderstorms. Do not stand near doors and windows. Stay inside the building and try to avoid touching the walls or floor as much as possible.
• Disconnect household appliances from the power supply. Avoid proximity to electrical appliances during a thunderstorm.
• Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm. It is safe to use a mobile phone.
• Avoid playing outdoors and on terraces, including with children, if the weather is cloudy.
• 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 arms or legs out. You will be safer inside your vehicle. Avoid riding bicycles, bikes, tractors, etc. during a thunderstorm and seek shelter in a safe building until the thunderstorm ends.
• Do not go to the terrace or yard to get clothes when you see a rainstorm.
• Tie down objects that may fall in the wind.
• Avoid bathing during a thunderstorm. Avoid collecting water from taps. Electricity caused by lightning can travel through pipes.
• Do not go fishing or bathing in water bodies during a thunderstorm. As soon as you see the clouds, stop fishing, boating, etc., and try to reach the nearest shore immediately. Do not stand on the deck of the boat during a thunderstorm. Stop fishing and casting nets during a thunderstorm.
• Avoid flying kites.